Library lottery plan holds communities to ransom

UNISON is warning that community groups are being held to ransom by Government plans, to force them to take over their libraries, or lose them. The plans will create a postcode lottery, with some communities doing without libraries altogether if groups fail to rise to the challenge. If contracts with charities also fail, private companies are ready to come in and clean up. The union has slammed plans set out in a report by the Local Government Association on the future of the library system*, for failing to protect the quality of the service.Heather Wakefield, UNISON's Head of Local Government, said:"The blueprint for libraries is gambling with a service so many rely on. "Community groups should not be forced into taking over services, as many will not have the capacity, or numbers to keep them going. This will lead to private companies getting their teeth into libraries in the long run, which could lead to charging.
"More than 30,000 children are leaving primary school with a reading age of seven or below - libraries are key to improving literacy, especially in deprived areas. They are also a vital lifeline for many, with reading clubs, job seeker support and homework groups. These services cannot be provided without skilled staff. "The Government must act to stop local authorities rushing through changes to services with no consultation. An investment in libraries is an investment in the future generation."