Former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen has expressed his concern over the closure of libraries, calling it “a decimation”. The poet, who credits his writing career to his access to libraries, finds the trend of library closures horrifying.
According to an investigation by the BBC’s Shared Data Unit, 99 council-run libraries in London have reduced their opening hours since 2016, leading to the loss of over 400 library staff jobs. The investigation also revealed that councils across the UK have stopped running hundreds of libraries, with many being closed and some handed over to volunteers. In the past seven years, 900 libraries have had their hours reduced, disproportionately affecting the poorest parts of the country.
One example of a community response to library closures is the North Harrow Community Library, which was launched after funding cuts led to the closure of four libraries in the area. The library is now run exclusively by 85 volunteers who turned the unused space into a community hub offering more than just books.
Visitors to the North Harrow Community Library have praised the library for its chair yoga sessions, which have been crucial for their mental wellbeing. Rosen emphasized the importance of libraries in communities, expressing sadness and anger over their closure.
A government spokesperson acknowledged the vital role of public libraries in providing access to books, work, and learning, and stated their commitment to supporting local councils in maintaining these essential services for their communities.
