I have not posted much of late but after reading fellow bloggers' posts ( Candy Gourlay and Teri Terry, Jon Mayhew, Keren David, and many more) on this topic, I felt compelled to join in voicing my opinion. So what is the topic? Well if the picture didn't give it away let me spell it out for you: the government's ongoing budget cuts and in particular the moves towards closing 250 libraries in the UK.
Catherine Bennett's article in the Observer highlights exactly what is happening in a more informed way than I ever could but what I can say is this: I spoke to a friend today about budget cuts and library closures and his response was absolute astonishment. He didn't know that many libraries were having to close and his response captures exactly how I feel. He said, 'What sort of a government closes libraries?' and unfortunately I have to agree.
Now, I realise money may be tight and cuts may need to be made, but it does seem that money is being taken out of all the wrong places. Education and libraries? I realise that if you are lucky enough to be born into wealth and are educated at public school, state education and state libraries are inconsequential to you. But surely any one with a modicum of intelligence, a part way liberal mind set or social conscience would realise the value of both of these institutions to the general masses.
By this argument, I have to deduce, therefore, that only a right wing government (or one that is immoral or downright stupid) would take money out of things that help the poorer members of society. You only need to watch the news and see hundreds of students protesting to know that something is wrong with Cameron's moves towards the Big Society. I don't see how increasing university fees and closing libraries are going to create a Big Society... rather these will lead to a Divided Society with 'haves' and 'have nots'.
As far as libraries go, you have probably realised I am a strong advocate of them, not least because I use them. And I love them! How could I not?
Come on, they have books you can borrow for free!! I know people might think books are out and e-readers are in but nothing beats the feel of real pages turning and I have it on good authority that too much reading from a machine is bad for you, you know.... except the odd blog post that is. But libraries also have computer access, CDs and DVDs. For someone like me this equates to absolute paradise! Almost as good as floating in the sea on a hot day.
Not to mention the wonderful librarians and community events. My local library has a writers' and reading group, children's activities and more.
All this aside, I am also aware of how much of a lifeline libraries are for those from disadvantaged backgrounds or who are going through a hard time- who might just be seeking to educate themselves rather than hang around on a street corner or in the local park, or perhaps they might be looking for a bit of peace and civilisation.
Now, if social responsibility is the guiding philosophy behind Cameron's Big Society then I'm sorry to say that these library closures make NO SENSE, as they seem socially irresponsible. Expecting individuals who live in these deprived neighbourhoods or charities to keep libraries going is placing an unfair burden on already strapped resources.
I don't come from the most disadvantaged background but I do recall the joy of choosing a library book with my Mum when I was young...and the endless Saturdays that I spent at the library, locked in a study room, working towards my A levels because I needed some quiet and solitude to get my work done. For those of us who lack discipline, libraries are essential!
How would I have ever started writing if it hadn't been for libraries? Libraries have helped me study and write- they are a great source of research!
Without a library, my studies towards my degree, PGCE and MA would not have been anywhere near as fruitful. Not to mention costs! Without the use of libraries, I would have incurred huge expenses.
It seems that youngsters today face ever increasing costs, which I imagine will lead many, except the advantaged few, to abandon education and reading in favour of income-earning jobs. Forget your dreams. Is that what the government is saying?
Having written a literature guide on Animal Farm recently, I can't help but see correlations between knowledge, language and power. By removing libraries and educational resources, the government is removing the public's access to language and knowledge and thus reducing their access to power. For this and so many more reasons I wholeheartedly disagree with the closure of libraries in the UK.
At the heart of Alan Gibbons Campaign for the Book is the need to have libraries. On his blog he posts about authors' protests against library closures...it makes for interesting reading and may help you to decide where you stand on this topic. If you needed any help, that is!
