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September 29, 2008
There are 25 library authority councils who spend less than 1% of their library budget on childrens books
And, out of the 200 library authority councils in the UK, there are about 170 councils (including these 25) who spend less than 2% of the money they take from the public to provide library services, on childrens' books
This is the obvious consequence of 'diversification' - the policy which has been operating for many years where, in order to make public libraries more 'relevant', they are no longer 'just about books' . It has been a mistaken policy which has gone far too far.
Does this meet with the approval of the Society of Chief Librarians? Is it what the MLA and DCMS intended from ' Framework for The Future of Public Libraries' (which has now been the Govt policy for 7 years) ? Is this what CILIP recommends? Is it what the ACL advises is right? Willl the LGA have a sharp word with these councils? Do these figures pass the tests of the Audit Commission? Will the Select Committee on public libraries rouse itself over this? What about The Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Assembly, have they abdicated their responsibilities for public libraries, too? Do the paid councillors of these councils who have public libraries in their portfolio even know what these figures are? What would Mrs Hodge, or Mr Burnham, the ministers, say about this? Will Ed Vaizey, the shadow minister condemn this? Is there a Lib Dem who takes an interest?
The public who pay for and love their public libraries, do not approve at all. You can be sure of that. And they have scant respect for those who have been paid fortunes to manage and oversee the service.
In the National Year of Reading let us at last admit that these figures are a National Disgrace. And whoever is in charge should take responsibility and do something about it (like, for example, spending more of the money on childrens books)
The 25 councils who are against children reading books are listed below
Camden
Islington
Kensington and Chelsea
Croydon
Haringey
Waltham Forest
Manchester
Doncaster
Newcastle upon Tyne
Bracknell Forest
Brighton and Hove
Bristol
Darlington
Poole
Reading
Slough
Stockton on Tees
Surrey
Neath Port Talbot
Aberdeen
Inverclyde
North Ayrshire
Renfrewshire
Scottish Borders
Belfast
Posted by Perkins at September 29, 2008 11:36 AM