This month’s local elections offer voters the opportunity to make sure that councillors and candidates know how much people value all their local services – and not least among them, libraries.
We need to make sure that councils understand that libraries are a low-cost, essential resource – and one that is deeply valued by local residents.
Many library services have already suffered from the cuts, with widespread closures at local level and the damaging policy of turning branches over to be run by volunteers.
But although libraries are a statutory service that councils must provide, they are still often seen as a ‘soft option’ for cuts.
The Speak up for Libraries campaign is asking local councillors to sign up to the following manifesto when standing for election:
- acknowledge that libraries are important to people – especially when times are hard for individuals and communities;
- give a commitment to engage with communities to design services that meet their needs and aspirations;
- ensure library services are properly resourced and staffed;
- commit to a service that is publicly funded, managed and run by paid, professional staff;
- recognise that properly-funded library services contribute to the health and well-being of communities and so complement the work of other public services.
Campaigners can also lobby the government to give libraries a long-term future, with a vision for their future development and clear standards of service, and enforce the commitment in law to provide a ‘comprehensive and efficient’ service, including digital, ICT and e-book services.
A Million Voices for Public Services
Key issue: cuts to local services
