“Keep Vital Library Services”

Adrian Sanders is supporting the Unison campaign to protect public libraries. Public libraries have made a vital contribution to community life and education over the past 150 years but have become increasingly under threat from cuts and privatisation in recent years.

Unison has criticised the current private finance proposals for the library service due to concern that the reforms would see public libraries turned into a private sector enterprise which would alter their character irrevocably. Instead, Unison are advocating a five-point plan that would see resources for libraries increased, flexible opening hours, more staff training and professional development opportunities and increased community involvement.

Adrian commented: “Libraries are an essential community asset. They are one of the only resources used by a complete cross-section of communities from the very young to the elderly. It would be extremely regrettable if the fundamental character and quality of our public libraries were lost. I am pleased that in Torbay, library services remain well used and that new services are planned, principally the new Paignton Community Library. The Government must do more to ensure that public libraries are retained as an investment in the common community good.”