Library fightback is under way (From This is The West Country)
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Library fightback is under way
1:10pm Friday 21st January 2011 in Somerset
THE fight is on to save Wiveliscombe library – one of 20 across Somerset set for closure.
On Monday the Friends of Wiveliscombe Library set up communications and campaigning sub-groups to increase the pressure on the county council.
A spokesman for the group said: “We are writing to councillors and officers asking them to put back any decisions about the future of our libraries until proper discussions have taken place and solutions found.
“These delays and alternatives will have to be included in the report that the officers will have to produce by January 26.”
Wiveliscombe has joined the Somerset-wide ‘Read In’ on Saturday, January 22 from 10am to 12pm in the county libraries aimed at highlighting the plight of Somerset’s libraries.
A protest against the closure of Wiveliscombe library will be held on Friday, January 28 between 3pm and 5pm.
Protesters hope that everyone will withdraw their full quota of books, and empty the library of its entire stock.
And this week a group of parents and children from around Somerset notified the council of their intention to start legal action into decisions made about the ongoing Library Services Review.
Comments(3)
Iain McFarlane
says...
7:07pm Fri 21 Jan 11
*Flick* wrote:But the Library here in Priorswood offers services that go far beyond books. It's a place that encourages children to read, the elderly and lonely to meet, for low income folk or job seekers to access the internet and email... the total of what they do is really going to be missed. But though the Big Society idea may work elsewhere, we can't get enough volunteers, especially amongst those laking in confidence of their ability. We are trying to draw attention to our campaign over facebook with over 400 local residents signed up to the cause.
They are essentially just copying the library that was on the news the other night. It is a good idea, but I can't see anything stopping them closing the libraries! And if they do stop them, who is to say that the thing they choose to cut in its place, won't effect all of these people too? :(
We could end up making ourselves a lot worse off!
Don't get me wrong though, I am very sad to hear about libraries going. But wouldn't it be better for people to be pro-active and offer to run them voluntry? Or maybe they could compromise with the council and have a 'postal service' whereby you can order a book over the phone and have it posted to you? A bit like the lovefilm.com organisation?
The best way to make a difference is to come up with alternatives.
*Flick*
says...
11:28am Mon 24 Jan 11
I will be very sad to see any library closed, but I simply cannot see the council keeping them all open UNLESS they can find their money from elsewhere - and lets face it they could take it from any number of service that might make people worse off than a library closing.
I think it is very sad that the libraries are facing cuts too, I have very fond memories of visiting my local one as a youngster. They also offered 'reading groups' in the summer holidays which I thought was fantastic.
It really is a shame they may have to close, I just wish there were more volunteers readily available to keep them open if the council says it can't :(
Iain, could you post a link to the facebook page? It would be very useful for those wanting to join your cause?
*Flick* says...
1:46pm Fri 21 Jan 11
We could end up making ourselves a lot worse off!
Don't get me wrong though, I am very sad to hear about libraries going. But wouldn't it be better for people to be pro-active and offer to run them voluntry? Or maybe they could compromise with the council and have a 'postal service' whereby you can order a book over the phone and have it posted to you? A bit like the lovefilm.com organisation?
The best way to make a difference is to come up with alternatives.