Comments on: TSS: The State of UK Libraries

By: Jodie

Jodie — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 17:02:02 +0000

Having watched Labour close public swimming baths, then dare to jump all over kids for being obese, I’m super worried about this and the kind of backlash against lack of intelligence we’re going to see now. Libraries are so important, especially in a society where even if you’re middle class you can lose your job and have trouble finding a new one.

By: Beth F

Beth F — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 12:58:21 +0000

I have very little to add to what Kathy already said. The public library, including its staff and programs, offer so much more than just books. Investing in our libraries is an investment in our future.

By: zibilee

zibilee — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 00:46:52 +0000

There are massive cuts to the libraries in my area as well, but not as bad as what is happening over there. I think the points you make are very valid, and the biggest concern that I see with all these library funding cuts is that by closing and cutting funding, the government is showing it’s people that reading is not important, and that libraries are something we can do without. This is simply not the case! It really irks me that the first place a budget cut comes into play is at the local library. It is even bad at the libraries in the school. My daughter came home the other day and told me that the school hadn’t bought new books for the last two school years! Can you imagine that? With my kids being big readers, they have exhausted the school’s stacks, and there is nothing left for them to read. Now I can afford to buy them new books, which I do frequently, but it’s sad to me that this situation is even taking place.

By: Jackie (Farm Lane Books)

Jackie (Farm Lane Books) — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 21:40:35 +0000

I think you explain exactly why libraries are failing. It is such a shame, but I don’t think the UK is doing a very good job of keeping up with changing times. I spend a lot of money in my library (ordering books from neighbouring branches) but it does get quite expensive and I know most people wouldn’t want to do this. It is far easier to just find a secondhand book without the worry of fines and rushing to read it.

I do think libraries are very important for children, but they don’t seem to do a very good job at catering for them. I hope that they will be able to concentrate on improving them now.

By: heidenkind

heidenkind — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 20:41:35 +0000

Somehow I’ve gotten the impression, which might be incorrect, that libraries have never been as important in the UK as they are in the US. I’m the only person in my family who ever uses the library, but I use the heck out of it. And you’re right, libraries are about so much more than books.

I never went into an UK library while I was in Europe, but I did use the public library in France. I was really impressed with it–the town was so small they didn’t even have a bookstore, but they had a kick-ass library that was full of people every single day.

By: cbjames

cbjames — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 17:16:28 +0000

I’m also in California and have been for decades. Back in the late 1970s/early 1980’s libraries went through massive cuts, post prop 13. But people really rallied behind them, demanded their funding be restored and that they be kept open. Since then our libraries face the same cuts all agencies do, but I don’t think anyone in our govt. would dare suggest closing any of them.

But they’re not primarily about books anymore either. They all have so many community functions in them and have such strong focus on children that even non-readers used them. I think their main function these days is to provide computer and internet access to people who couldn’t afford it otherwise. They’ve still got plenty of books, mind you. But they do so much else, too.

By: Kate

Kate — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 17:05:15 +0000

Dangermom, I totally agree – at the very heart of it, I really believe that libraries are the essence of the democratization of information, something with which I wholeheartedly agree. Those who probably most need the services offered by libraries are the ones who will take this hit the most, and I do think there’s a lack of perspective when politicians say “people can just go online and learn things and read things,” since not everyone can afford internet, can they?

Meghan, I’m in Winchester which is like little London and just as expensive. Rents are high, votes are (generally) conservative, and there’s a lot of money around. Although I did – just today! – finally find a charity shop with 50p paperbacks! It’s a mile away…

By: dangermom

dangermom — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 15:24:48 +0000

I live in California, and our libraries are suffering too. The powers that be never seem to think that libraries are important at all–maybe because they can afford to buy all the books they want and get the information they need? But you’re right, they’re very important. Everyone should be able to find out the things they need to know; in a democracy where everyone is supposed to be equal before the law, that should not be something that requires an income. Everyone should be able to educate themselves regardless of income. Everyone should be able to scrutinize the government. That is what libraries are for, and so I believe that libraries are an important part of a free and educated society.

By: bermudaonion (Kathy)

bermudaonion (Kathy) — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 13:56:03 +0000

It’s so sad to see libraries all over the world suffering in these economic times. Our politicians just don’t get it – libraries offer so much more than the books they lend. I was a voracious reader as a child, and my school librarian was the one person (outside of my parents) who valued and encouraged it. She made me feel special and every kid needs to feel like that.

By: Meghan

Meghan — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 12:28:02 +0000

Kate – I paid the 50p too for reserved books, though not for the new releases. Many times. It was for something I cared about, but I somehow don’t think others are willing to do that. And I wish my library had as much as yours does! Mine is rather tiny. It does have community events, especially for children, but very few CDs or DVDs. I wonder if the difference in prices is down to economic circumstances – I’ve never lived in a wealthy area, so I thought charity shop prices were the same everywhere!

And to both of you, I often feel I don’t have a voice either, because I’m a foreigner as well. But I’m outspoken enough, at least on the internet and with people I actually know in real life, to voice my opinion where I can. My husband doesn’t vote and it drives me insane, so I try to make up for it. I’m paying taxes, so I might as well say it somewhere.