It was also good to see the event was supported by the various groups set up to defend the individual branch libraries. I remain hopeful that these groups will become involved in the wider anti-cuts campaign against the politically driven austerity policies of the current Government.
I have now completed the on-line consultation on the future of Southend's libraries. As it is normally the case, I feel these exercises have a pre-determined outcome, as the power resides is the people framing the questions. For instance, they ask if you wish to voluteer in one of the hub or branch libraries, but not if you want them to be staffed by professional librarians. Nevertheless, I urge everyone to complete the consulatation, which can accessed at the Southend Borough Council website.
In an age where supposedly computerisation and and provision of Governemnet services are the way for public services, the fact that many people, often in disadvantaged groups, simply do not own computers and therefore no access to the internet. Libraries have met this need for many in the town, but this is clearly under threat. This also proves the point that Libraries are not just about books.
The average Conservative probably has literary tastes that don't extend beyond the novels of Jeffrey Archer or Frederick Forsythe, and these can be picked up at any charity shop. They might also want to read an autobiography of Margaret Thatcher or the works of Anthony Trollope, but these can be obtained from most bookshops. So, libraries are not high on their list of social priorities.
Overall, I remain optimistic that the battle to save our libraries can be won.
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