I’ve been meaning to post this potent quote for months. Six months old and sadly the UK & US library closures & cuts crisis continues mercilessly.
Closed sign by Emily Webber on Flickr.
What The Guardian said in January, 2011:
Sara Levy, 39, sat with three-year-old Ella, colouring in Spot the Dog on a computer screen, with three-week-old Ava asleep on her chest. “It’s the only local place you can come without spending money,” she said. “It’s local and friendly. And it’s classless.” : Library Customer Sara Levy.
What I said in July, 2011: Free, local, friendly, classless. Amen. So why, why are libraries closing at a dangerous rate?
Look at this UK & this USA map of closures & cuts. This is not okay.
For more info follow the #savelibraries hashtag on twitter.
A confession: I don’t know enough about the state of affairs in my own country. Terrible I know, but honest. And no, not good enough David! Of course I have first-hand experience of tightening budget restraints, job scarcity & job security fears. And sure, I read articles & blog posts about Australian library closures & funding cuts and I’ve signed this important petition. However, I’m embarrassed to admit I remain lamentably & lazily uninformed.
I want to – and will – improve this situation. Perhaps with your help?
Dear reader:
- pls leave a link in the comments to info about library closures & cuts in your neighbourhood (UK, USA, EU, Australia, everywhere!)
- pls leave a link to anything I/we should read to learn more
- what are you doing to raise awareness? what should I do?
