Future of Public Libraries

Volunteers in Scarborough stepped in to save libraries from closure, with the Newby and Scalby library now thriving. It offers over 42,000 visits and numerous services.

In Radstock library, community volunteers keep the doors open despite limited council support. The library runs events like Lego club and employment skills sessions, providing a vital service in the digital age.

Libraries can be used as community spaces for artists and musicians, encouraging diverse communities to access library spaces through innovative ideas like the library late scheme.

The hon. Member for Rhondda discussed his love for using various libraries and praised Baroness Twycross's engagement with library services, while also acknowledging the devolved nature of library responsibilities.

Libraries are essential community hubs that offer a wide range of services beyond book borrowing. They have faced years of budget cuts but continue to thrive with local support. Asked if the hon. Member agrees that access and proximity to libraries are important, highlighting the statutory duty in Scotland to provide a library service.

Discussed the role of small local businesses and how libraries support their growth.

Libraries are vital for community engagement, literacy improvement, and social integration. The BBC suggests at least 190 libraries have closed in the last five years.

Discussed Andrew Carnegie's impact on libraries in the UK and USA, shared personal experiences with libraries, and highlighted their importance to society. Agreed with the hon. Member that visiting a library can combat loneliness for older people, and also highlighted its value for everyone of all ages.

Praised efforts to maintain and improve libraries in Ilford despite austerity measures, described innovative uses of libraries as community hubs for exercise and learning. Emphasized the importance of diversification for libraries and mentioned that one library in his area includes a gym.

Emphasised the role of libraries as social hubs in rural communities and mentioned initiatives such as book swap shops and community events hosted at libraries. Also raised concerns about children not owning books and mental health support through library services. Paid tribute to VE Day celebrations involving libraries, noting their archive facilities' value for genealogical research.

Derbyshire county council under Conservatives signed off £625,000 of library budget cuts over four years. He urges Reform leaders to recognise the value of local libraries and find innovative ways to support them.

Libraries provide essential services to all ages and backgrounds without cost, highlighting their importance as a statutory service under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964.

The hon. Member asked the Minister to commit to publishing a national strategy based on the Sanderson review, which has been a key ask from Members across the House.

Libraries were vital for enabling the working classes to get on in life, and philanthropy should play an increasing role in supporting them.

Highlighted the specialised advice provided by libraries, such as statistical advice to businesses starting up locally.

Access to rural libraries is often limited by insufficient transport. The Government should urgently review steps to support access to rural libraries so that constituencies are not left without these community assets.

Libraries must be kept well-funded and accessible in recognition of their wide-ranging role in the community, especially rural communities. Somerset council operates many mobile libraries that provide essential services to rural villages. These services are under threat due to increased costs and years of under-investment by the previous Conservative administration.

Libraries are crucial for education, equality and opportunity. Since 2010, UK public libraries have lost around £232.5 million, with 800 closures and a loss of librarians from 24,000 to 15,000. Mentioned the importance of libraries in transitioning from children's literature like Nancy Drew to classics such as Dickens and Shakespeare.

The Folkestone town centre library, closed since December 2022, has played a critical role in supporting disadvantaged communities. The cost of repairing the building is around £3 million. Wants to reopen the library alongside the creative campus in Folkestone, emphasizing the importance of integration between all creative industries and the library service.