Writers urge ‘new course' for libraries

More than 300 writers have urged the new Culture Secretary Karen Bradley to recognise the current public library service ‘crisis’ and to ‘set a new course after years of decline’.

Alan Gibbons, award-winning children’s author and libraries campaigner, has collected more than 300 signatories for an open letter to Bradley, stating that since 2010, 343 libraries have closed, opening hours have been cut, and 8,000 paid and trained library staff have been lost.

According to the writers, there has been a 93 per cent increase in the use of library volunteers over the past six years, with budgets, education programmes and specialist services such as mobile libraries also slashed.

The 300 writers include Michael Rosen, Jackie Kay, Malorie Blackman and Philip Pullman.

The letter says: “Public libraries, museums and galleries are vital social and cultural resources at the heart of our communities. They give access to reading, literacy, information technology, history, art, information and enjoyment. But they are in crisis.

“We call upon you, as secretary of state for culture, media and sport to recognise this crisis and set a new course after years of decline.”

Bradley was appointed Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport in July, when she said that the sectors were ‘all areas which help to make life richer, drive the economy and promote the UK around the world’, and that she was ‘committed to making sure these sectors continue to thrive’.

A proposed protest march is being organised for 5 November, starting at the British Library and ending with a rally outside the House of Commons.