Local libraries are a real social benefit
9:17am Tuesday 7th December 2010 in Comment
I AMwriting in response to a recent letter drawing attention the value of our local libraries.
In Bolton we are fortunate to have 15 local libraries across the borough providing a wide range of books and information.
Library books help to promote children’s reading. Access to the internet and newspapers helps people who are looking for work.
For a lot of elderly and disabled people on a fixed income local libraries are a real social benefit.
Across the country it is estimated that 35 million people are members of local libraries. Anyone can join their local library service and its free.
Sadly, across the country the future of public libraries is uncertain because of cuts to council spending by the Government.
It would be a great loss to local communities if Bolton were to lose any of its local branch libraries.
Joanna Prior, the managing director of Penguin Books, said recently that: “The anxiety must be around losing dedicated, passionate book lovers from the library service because of job losses.
“Libraries stimulate social inclusion — access to books and reading improves life chances and opportunities for young people and adults, and the belief in universal access to reading is something we fundamentally hope to preserve.”
To find out more about how to join your local library you can look on Bolton Council’s website: bolton.gov.uk To find out more about the national campaign to save library services, visit librarycampaign.com Kate Challender Halliwell
