The Good Library Blog

Minister for Culture David Lammy has come under fire from authors and librarians, who accuse him of failing to engage with the current state of crisis in the library service.

At a Royal Society of Literature libraries debate this week, Lammy acknowledged that up to 107 libraries may close across the country, but said that the actual number of closures is unknown. "When we talk about proposed closures, we have to remember the 100 or so libraries that are new or are being refurbished. And we ought to also remember that when I wrote to every council and reminded them of their statutory duty, that actually many councils stopped, shelved or revised the plans."

He also backed away from the threat he made in January, to use his "draconian powers" under the 1964 Museums & Libraries Act to step in and sieze control of failing services. "While I continue to look at [the closures] we must believe, in the end, that people really believe in the value of the service," he said.

But author and illustrator Shirley Hughes said she was shocked at his apparent ignorance of the cutbacks being made. "Local council are making cuts at a local level, but we look to national government to have an overview of what's happening," she said.

Bob McKee, c.e.o. of the Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals, urged Lammy to take action. "He's really passionate about libraries, but . . . what we need is a politician, not an enthusiast," he said. "You hear all this positive stuff, yet you get so much frustration. How does that compute?"

Meanwhile, RSL chair Maggie Gee questioned Lammy's concern to maintain "relevant stocks" to lure visitors into libraries. "We want to know what libraries are going to do to preserve the diversity of stock. And we would like him to start using his draconian powers to keep libraries open."

But Lammy accused his "carping" critics of wanting to micro-manage the service. "Libraries are quintessentially local [but] I wonder if some parties are making the case for nationalisation," he said.

He also hit out at Society of Authors chair Helen Dunmore, who questioned references to library users as "punters" and "consumers" as opposed to readers. "I am sorry you feel the need to be so pedantic," he said.

Library closures: status report

Cumbria Twenty proposed closures scaled back to six, which are still under review. Decision expected this September.

Devon Twelve under review with decision to be implemented in the autumn.

Lancashire Eight of the nine libraries under review closed in April to make up £160,000 budget shortfall.

Surrey Two libraries still under review.

Dorset Thirteen libraries still under review. Proposal to extend public consultation period to summer 2007, and make up budget shortfall from book fund.

Northumberland Fourteen libraries earmarked for closure. Review ongoing until autumn.

Hertfordshire Four libraries still under review. A decision on two of the libraries is expected in July, and on the other two in November. Operational development manager Derek Knight said: "It's part of an overall package of improvement in the service."

Buckinghamshire Eight libraries earmarked for closure. Council mooted possibility of passing responsibility to local residents.

Cheshire All four libraries facing closure now to remain open.

Gloucestershire Two libraries under review.

Dumfries & Galloway All five libraries facing closure now to remain open.

Cambridgeshire Ten libraries have now closed.