Public Libraries News : 30th January
National Audit Office highlight libraries as suffering from cuts

http://www.publiclibrariesnews.com/2013/01/national-audit-office-highlight-libraries-as-suffering-from-cuts.html

...and where exactly does this leave volunteer run "libraries" that are no longer part of the network?, like those in Gloucestershire? Postcode lottery, all very "emperor’s new clothes" and a distraction from the huge problems facing our public libraries today.

On Thu, Jan 31, 2013 at 10:27 AM, desmond <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

There are some good ideas in this report. However, this initiative will do nothing to help confront the crisis facing public libraries. CIPFA confirmed that 200 libraries closed last year and Public Libraries News reports that more than 300 will close or transfer to volunteer management this year. Most worrying, some local government officers are saying that worse is to come as the cuts deepen.

The question being asked is when will the reality of what is happening in many authorities be recognised by the DCMS, SCL and ACE, and how do they intend to ensure that a viable, comprehensive and efficient service. That is the "universal" offer that should be available to all whatever their post code. It is also the duty prescribed in the 1964 Act.

Desmond

Dear All

This morning the Society of Chief Librarians, along with partners ACE and The Reading Agency, launched four universal offers for public libraries.

The press release and media pack are on the SCL website: http://www.goscl.com/libraries-of-the-21st-century-scl-launches-four-national-offers-for-public-libraries/

Best

Elizabeth Elford

SCL Advocacy and Communications Manager

+44 (0)7891 056114

On 31/01/2013 10:06, Elizabeth Elford wrote:

Dear All

This morning the Society of Chief Librarians, along with partners ACE and The Reading Agency, launched four universal offers for public libraries.

The press release and media pack are on the SCL website: http://www.goscl.com/libraries-of-the-21st-century-scl-launches-four-national-offers-for-public-libraries/

Best
Elizabeth Elford
SCL Advocacy and Communications Manager
+44 (0)7891 056114

Frances Hendrix

Martin House Farm, Hilltop Lane, Whittle le Woods, Chorley, Lancs, PR6 7QR

Tel:  01257 274 833.   Mobile: 0777 55 888 03