Please write to the Mayor Damien Egan and your local councillors to express your concerns about the proposed cuts to library services. You can use the example letter below - or simply cut and paste the parts you would like to use.
Don't forget to make it personal too - saying why you love your local library.
Mayor's email: damien.egan@lewisham.gov.uk
To find your local councillors simply put in your postcode here:
Dear Mayor Egan
Re: Proposed Cuts to our Library Services
I am writing to express my concerns regarding cuts to staffed opening hours in the Hub Libraries. It is proposed that £450,000 is cut from the library service budget with two options, meaning that that Deptford and Downham may have all library staff removed, or that opening hours will be reduced in Lewisham, Downham and Deptford by 45%. I find these proposals unacceptable, because they will have a negative effect on vulnerable library users and contribute to a rise in anti-social behaviour.
I oppose these proposed cuts to library services because of the essential role libraries play in providing information, support, learning, community connections, access and assistance for the digitally excluded, and safe spaces. I believe that library services are essential for communities to thrive.
1. EQUALITY: I am very concerned about the impact of these cuts on young people in borough. With one in four of Lewisham residents under the age of 19, I would argue that reducing what's left of the already decimated library service is a crime against the next generation. Recent research studies clearly show the positive academic impact of reading for pleasure in children and teenagers, and there is real need for quiet study/revision areas for young people in the borough. However, the council’s own report predicts a rise in anti-social behaviour as a result of the proposed cuts. This will make our libraries unsafe, impacting negatively on children’s reading for pleasure. With fewer staff to ensure the safety of young people visiting libraries in Lewisham, these quiet, safe study areas will also come under threat, putting our young people at an educational disadvantage.
Older people living in Lewisham would also be affected. Libraries help to reduce social isolation and help maintain independence and wellbeing – enabling people to continue to claim their rights, build relationships, participate and contribute in later life.
Therefore, I believe an urgent Equality Impact Assessments should be made, that is full, transparent, rigorous, looking at any actions to remedy the proposed cuts - and carried out before the public consultation, so that members of the public will be fully informed as to the real impact of these proposals.
2. PUBLIC CONSULTATION: I request that the proposed consultation is meaningful, transparent and shows that it is genuine by listening to diverse voices and acting upon our contributions. I argue that simply giving the public an either/or choice between the two proposed solutions is not a consultation.
3. RING-FENCE THE LIBRARY BUDGET: I press you to ring-fence library budgets to protect essential, statutory services. I believe that public libraries are important for all other public services. For example, other council services signpost their users to local libraries for assistance in making online applications for Universal Credit and other benefits. Cuts to library staffing are a false economy, placing greater burden on other council services and make no savings in the long term.
I would like Mayor and Councillors to value the contribution of library staff with their expertise and relationship with the community. I ask that instead of making cuts, that Mayor and Councillors aim to improve the library service provision to a standard that we all need, as is our right.
I look forward to your response to my concerns.
Yours sincerely,
No comments:
Post a Comment