Guest 645- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,463
19 January 2011
08:0189482#1
It was revealed today on BBC news that cash strapped councils are considering closing local libraries.Already 175 have been earmarked for closure and other councils are considering handing over the running of the local library to volunteers to man and run.
What do forumites think? with todays kindle and cheap books do libraries still have a role to play within the local community? The cost of running the countrys 10000 libraries,static and mobile, is about one billion pounds per year which doesn't seem that much to me.
Marek
I think therefore I am (not a Tory supporter)
19 January 2011
08:1689486#2
Noooooooooooooooooooooo!! Don't close our library! Apart from the social thing and hub of cultural events and springboard for literature related stuff, there is a great pleasure to be had in browsing legitimately and then taking a free book home which can be shared again when it is brought back - and then you will know if you also want to own it. And where else would you be able to browse so many real reference books? Sit down and rummage through an few text books, try out for size a new author or new topic, have a bit of a chat about the new Seamus Heaney in passing, order from other libraries without the need to buy. And most important of all - free (at the point of delivery) access to education, information and development tools. Libraries matter!!!
Guest 682- Registered: 19 Jan 2009
- Posts: 146
19 January 2011
08:2389489#3
There is no suggestion that Dover Library is to close.
Guest 640- Registered: 21 Apr 2007
- Posts: 7,819
19 January 2011
08:2689491#4
Although it might cost a lot of money to run we really should never ever consider closing our library. Its the hub of central Dover and very popular it is too. There was uproar recently when the prospect of closing our Museum was given airtime...the same would happen with the library. It would take a brave man to try and close it.
We have to be very careful when making cuts to save money, very careful in what we choose to cut, look at the damage Beeching did to the railways all those years ago, now considered a disaster but no doubt applauded by his colleagues at the time. Short termism on a grand scale.
19 January 2011
08:3189494#5
Thank you Nigel. I think it would be a hard and bloody battle if there was a sniff of it!!!!!!
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
19 January 2011
08:3889499#6
Libraries are run by KCC not DDC, so it doesn't come under our remit anyway.
You're right though Bern, a big fight would ensue.
Roger
Guest 645- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,463
19 January 2011
08:4289502#7
It's already happened in one area where the workers are all unpaid volunteers. Other councils are allegedly watching that experiment.
My opinion,for what it's worth, is that libraries play an important social and learning function.When Natascha was younger we spent many hour in the childrens section whilst she browsed around.She,through the librarys help and encouragement ie awards,badges and soft toys learned to read at a very early age and only yesterday her teacher informed us at the latest parent meet teacher 'do' that she was graded 4a and top in her year.So from personal experience the Dover library was superb in laying the foundation stones for Natascha's education.
Marek
I think therefore I am (not a Tory supporter)
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
19 January 2011
08:4789506#8
Well said Marek.
Roger
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
19 January 2011
09:5489529#9
a vital service indeed, not that expensive in the great scheme of things.
in the age of recycling i doubt that closing any would be a forward thinking idea.
Guest 666- Registered: 25 Mar 2008
- Posts: 323
19 January 2011
10:3189535#10
When the electricity fails....what are we to do?
Read by torchlight.
Cannot see the demand for library books lessen, the mobile one is very popular and Deal is in the middle of re-furbishment.
It would be three steps backward if they close.
Oh Boy!, That'll be the day.........
Guest 640- Registered: 21 Apr 2007
- Posts: 7,819
19 January 2011
10:4389536#11
Buddy right on cue...the mobile library is right outside my door as we speak...
and very popular too. it comes here to the Gateway every wednesday, many of the residents here cant get about but they can make it to the mobile library
19 January 2011
11:4189542#12
Well said everyone. The Library matters.
Jan Higgins
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 5 Jul 2010
- Posts: 13,931
19 January 2011
11:4989543#13
I have not used the Library since it moved to the wilds of the Market Square
but agree it would be a shame if it closed.
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I try to be neutral and polite but it is hard and getting even more difficult at times.
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Guest 650- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 542
19 January 2011
11:5189544#14
We have a library near us over which there are concerns it is to close. Resistance to that is already up and running. Mobile libraries are super and a very good and necessary service, but they can never fulfil all the functions of a static local library.
I've haunted libraries all my life, and consider them an essential service. I was a voracious reader when I was growing up, and in turn my three daughters used the library extensively, and all three still do. Our local library continues to be very good, with story times, parties, competitions and so on, to engage the young folk. Not everyone can access electronic books or even cheap books; this is especially the case with several members of my family who are on a very low income owing to their disabilities. For them the library is the only place they can get good access to books..
Both Simon and I use our local library and the library in Dover extensively for research, and not only on DWMP matters. Usually, too, when in the field researching, the local library will be one of our stops for information and honing what we seek. Local studies collections are wonderful and invaluable, and moreover there will be books on local topics unobtainable elsewhere. Usually, whatever the topic, it's possible through inter-library loans to obtain the book required, including the more specialized titles, which, on occasion, I've had to read in the library, not take home, as they are so precious to the originator.. There are also the DVDs, CDs, maps, directories, iaccess to the internet, the updated periodicals; the basic line is empowerment for all of us to access the the world of information. That's before we talk about the staff, who are knowledgable, patient, and do their best always to trace what one needs. So if anyone isn't familiar or comfortable with libraries, the staff are the first contact for help.
Then there is the community focus and liaison, with the dissemination of information onn clubs, societies, events, and often set-aside space for meetings and talks. Usually libraries have space for exhibitions too; the DWMP has run two major exhibitions in Dover library during 2010, and there's always something on display. Currently it's aviation, from the Hollingsbees previously displayed in Deal library. The DWMP also displayed Remembrance work done by St Martin's Primary School pupils; even the smallest library can encourage children with a space for display of their work. Our local library also displays the Book of Remembrance for the town, in a case bedecked with wreaths; the pages are turned regularly.
I'm not quite sure what we'd do without our libraries - and all this before I even begin to consider the superb work and services of our museums!
19 January 2011
12:0389545#15
In many cases its were our children get a good feel for reading and Dover has a very large young persons library a lot of young mothers cant afford to by new books or computers for there children to learn on. And I bet many of us have given books to the Library we no longer needed so maybe a 4 day week might save money. I know before I finished writing this I will get crucified but the Mobile Library may have to go the running costs don't make sense you will all jump on me now for saying that but how many people really do use this still and with so many good Neighbors who would go to the Library for one another surly it wont matter that much if the town can save a little.The biggest money waster is of cause the Big TV in market square I'm sure we wont miss that one bit.So come on you so Called Councilors who are supposed to put Dover first ask the people were we can save money and listen to them then get your selfs together and sort this out instead of moaning about one-another we will support you if its good for Dover.
Guest 651- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 5,673
19 January 2011
12:0689547#16
I thought Kent had already sorted the situation out, they are planning on rolling out self-service checkouts to cut down the costs but still provide the same service ?
Been nice knowing you :)
19 January 2011
12:2189549#17
Self service checkouts in the library? I hope not - that is all part of the magic, charm and service.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
19 January 2011
16:0589567#18
maggie described the average library exactly, they are all things to all persons.
not just a place to borrow books.
for many people it is the only place they can use the interweb or worldwidenet.
Unregistered User
19 January 2011
16:0689569#19
Interestingly Deal Library is currently having a major revamp. Does not seem to bear out the original posting.
Watty
19 January 2011
17:2989577#20
