As statistics are published claiming hundreds of public libraries around the country have closed since 2010, a petition has been launched calling on secretary of state John Wittingdale and the government to protect the public's “statutory rights to a quality public library service”.
It's been set up by the librarian's professional body, the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP), which claims that 443 public libraries have closed since 2010, with others forced to offer reduced hours and services.
The petition asks the government to “fulfil their statutory responsibilities to taxpayers”.
“We ask the Government to work with us to develop clear guidance for Local Authorities and to take clear and decisive action in situations where services are being put at risk,” says CILIP, which is reportedly prepared to “legally challenge any failure to provide a comprehensive and efficient public library service for all who need it.”
As reported, in Southampton five libraries and the mobile library will lose council funding from April. Talks about other groups taking over the running of some of them are said to be ongoing.
Previously: Time running out for Cobbett Road Library
Links
Petition
To lose our libraries would be a national disaster – we must act to save them. Guardian