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The largest public sector union UNISON will today (15th December) launch a "Defend the Public Library Service" campaign, saying that the service is "nearing a crisis point". The union said its report, "Taking Stock: The Future of Our Public Library Service", demonstrated a "dramatic" change to the service in recent years through library closures, cuts to funding and de-skilling of the librarian's role.
UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: "The library service is nearing a crisis point after suffering years of funding cuts, deskilling of the workforce and recent threats of outsourcing."
The union is calling upon government and local authorities to adopt a five-point plan, giving the service adequate resources and better staff training, while encouraging the sharing of best practice. Libraries should also cater for users from all backgrounds and encourage their communities to shape the service, according to the plan.
Prentis is meeting with Ed Balls, secretary of state for children, schools and families, today to discuss how to tackle library cuts.
Prentis said: "Buying books is expensive and a thriving local library can make sure all children get the chance to learn through reading. We need a skilled workforce for the future and it would be a good investment for the Chancellor to spend some of his recession proofing pounds on libraries."
Children's author Alan Gibbons, who recently launched his own Campaign for the Book in support of libraries, has given the UNISON campaign his endorsement. "We stand to lose an institution," Gibbons warned.