What is the future of our libraries?

The peace and quiet associated with libraries, with rows and rows of shelves packed with the printed word, allows people to take a step back from the frantic, instant text and electronic world we live in today.

Most of us have fond memories of visiting public libraries as children. They are a vital and extremely cost effective way of providing recreation and education all in one go, supporters say: “If freedom of knowledge, information, self improvement and education is not high on the governments list of priorities, do not deny others the opportunity to have them.”

National save our libraries day on the 5^th of February took place across Yorkshire after proposals to cut Sheffield libraries budget by almost 30% over the next three years were put forward. This would mean a loss of £2.5m from the present library budget of £8.5m. There are concerns that this could have a devastating effect on the quality of library services.

There is much anger among readers, writers, parents and community groups at the announcement of cut-backs to our library system. With more than 400 libraries under threat of closure due to budget cuts, campaigners in Sheffield have taken to the streets for its mass 'shhh-in', organised by library workers for a brighter future.

Rosie Saunders who worked at Sheffield library and attended the protest, said: “I worked in the central library throughout the 80s and 90s, when the Tories cut the support grant to Sheffield. We brought no new books for three years and six local branches had to close. It took years for the library service to recover, I never want to see those days return and with cuts set to take place it looks as though they will.”

The protest in Sheffield Central library was aimed to encourage locals to come and borrow books and use the free facilities, as the more often libraries are used the stronger the argument will be to keep them open.

Libraries have so much to offer, as Jane Russell a worker in Sheffield Central library said: “Libraries are amazing places and are absolutely free to join. For families on a budget there are plenty of activities going on, which are as cheap as five pounds. This summer we were planning art workshops, reading challenges and clay modelling, which in other venues are far too expensive for some family’s to pay out for. With the lack of funds and possible closure, these free activities may no longer be available.  

“If the library closes then it may cut off the only access some people have to essential information and a local point of contact.”

Hundreds of protestors turned up with their fingers to their lips for the mass ‘shhh’. With queues trailing all over the library as people stacked up books to borrow, the library staff were the busiest they have been for a while, due to the large turnout that came to show their support.

The budget was passed by Sheffield Council and from the main report they are considering what kind of libraries are needed over the next ten years. Councillor Simon Clement Jones said: “We are asking what the purpose and role of local libraries will be in the future. Certainly a lot has changed, for example, many people just use libraries for internet access. We propose to cope with the reduced budgets by reducing the amount we spend on new books, introducing self service, use of volunteers and reduce opening hours of the library.”

Libraries are more than just buildings they are the trained staff, the service and resources. Promises to keep the buildings open at the expense of other factors, looses the cultural and enriching appeal.

Annie Stiller, a part time worker at the library believes: “We need locals to be involved in the library. I believe this protest is a great opportunity for people to influence the future of one of Sheffield’s most important buildings.

“As staff, we not only provide access to physical materials, but we are trained in finding exact sources, whether on the internet or using the archives. It is devastating that the proposal is to replace trained staff with volunteers and the management of the library building passed over to voluntary groups and private companies.”

The importance of libraries should not be underestimated, the world has changed and the way we read has changed. However, libraries can be adapted to new technology if funding is made available to them. They are a wonderful community resource and play a pivotal role in many elderly lives, as most do not have internet access at home.

With the fight back from protestors uniting to protect the much loved institutions, what seems certain is that the need for a central library in Sheffield will not disappear. Even in a century when much of the world’s knowledge can be accessed at home with a click of a mouse, people still believe libraries play a crucial role in society.   

Join Sheffield City Library here.
http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/libraries/using-the-library/joining