Over the last seven years, a huge number of libraries have closed. Roughly 343 (the true amount is probably higher) libraries shut their doors, as well as the number of paid library staff falling from 31,977 in 2010 to 24,044 in 2016. The number of public libraries open reached a 10-year low, while visitor numbers declined by 15 million. I find these figures deeply depressing. It’s clear many feel libraries have no purpose with modern day Kindles: something the same weight as one book downloading hundreds of books or believe library closures are necessary in an age of austerity. I couldn’t disagree more. I love and cerise libraries, thinking of this very blog idea in a library. From the large central library in town to the small local library, they deserve full protection.
Libraries offer people access to another world. The huge range of books, genres, authors and periods of writing allow people to discover things they never knew. What could be more satisfying? On countless occasions, I’ve looked at one book on the shelf and had my attention caught by another, setting off a chain reaction of book scanning. That allows me to expand my knowledge, by linking and comparing the ideas and creations of different authors. The library books are a brilliant way to get better at writing, by taking inspiration from a novel, play or non-fiction piece. There is simply such a massive variety of books that are available, filling brains with new information and allowing people to reconsider what they believe. Only so much can be explored on digital devices such as Kindles. Libraries directly benefit the poor, allowing them to borrow books, use computers, read the day’s newspapers and expand their minds for free. If there were no libraries, a very poor person wouldn’t be able to afford a Kindle, or to buy a large number of books. How else could they read such a range of literature? Like many things in our society, libraries are a vital form of employment. Cuts to libraries have resulted in over 8,000 jobs being lost; meaning libraries are reliant on volunteers (over 15,000 have been recruited in the same period). Now, I’m all for volunteering. I do it myself, once a week, in a charity shop, and find the experience amazing. For retired people and young students, volunteering is perfect. However, volunteering is not a secure form of employment for the economically active. It will be difficult for libraries to rely simply on volunteers, because if there are no volunteers, the library will have to close. Therefore, the Government should be investing in library jobs, encouraging the benefits and great opportunities of library work. I am saddened by the increasing use of machines for borrowing books, as it cuts out a conversation with the librarian. In an age of technology and ‘social’ media, more interaction with other people is necessary, not less. When I thought of this blog, there were some elderly people sat near me happily playing scrabble. This is just one example of how libraries are an excellent community hub. From the young mother to the elderly grandfather, people of all ages and backgrounds can be found in libraries, united by their permanent love of reading. Libraries can hold lots of community events, which is brilliant for getting to know new people with similar interests. In retirement, I’m sure it can be very easy to become isolated from the world, never having to work again. With libraries, isolation is prevented, as elderly people can meet new people of a similar and younger age, discuss issues and, most importantly, get outside. Opponents may say town halls can be just as effective community hubs. I disagree. Firstly, not every village will have a town hall, whereas it is possible for every village to have a library. Also, at a town hall, there may not be someone there all the time. At a library, when it is open, someone is always there. Finally, there will not always be events at a town hall. At a library, there will always be literature to keep people amused. We are told cuts to libraries are a direct result of austerity and society living within its means so future generations aren’t burdened with our debts. In a way, I support this. I do believe, as a result of the huge deficit, there must be a reduction in areas of government spending. It is not economically sustainable to continue spending with no restrictions. However, I believe government spending could be reduced in many other areas before local government. For example, High Speed 2, a supposedly essential high speed railway, is estimated to cost £56 billion. All HS2 does is slightly reduce the time taken to British cities. Couldn’t the money be better spent on current railways? Also, Trident, our, allegedly, independent nuclear deterrent, will cost £167 billion. Regular readers will be aware of my staunch opposition to Trident, believing the money could be better spent on conventional forces and other areas. Abolishing those two schemes would bring in huge amounts of money. Money could also be generated by raising corporation tax, with corporations paying their fair share. Yes, some austerity is necessary. It is where the austerity falls that I have an issue with. In conclusion, libraries are amazing places: for what they contain, who they help, who they employ and the community spirit that is generated. While we should welcome the digital age, we shouldn’t forget the importance of reading physical books, to allow our minds to escape to another world. While machines can sometimes be quicker for borrowing books, having conversations are essential to prevent isolation and getting to know people. The protection and expansion of libraries must be a top priority of local government, instead of being at the bottom of the pile, doomed to the past. Future generations must have access to something the current generation regard as normal or pointless. After all, where else will they be told to ‘’shush!’’
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