This is one of my favourite quotes about libraries, written by the Argentinian writer Jorge Luis Borges. It seems particularly appropriate during Libraries Week. Coincidentally, I contributed to a pan-European study this week on libraries, highlighting some of the challenges facing the public library service in Scotland and the UK.
I am very fortunate to own several thousand books in what I call my library and a frequent target for my wife's decluttering initiatives! However, it isn't a library. It is a collection of books, even if they are carefully organised and entered into a database. A public library is much more than a collection of books, more than a service; it is an integral part of the community. What I called in my Reid Foundation paper, Building Stronger Communities, social infrastructure.
Despite my 'significant' collection of books, I am a member of the British Library, the National Library of Scotland, the Mitchell Library in Glasgow, and arguably most importantly, my local library. I am not keen on the saying 'use it or lose it', although I understand the importance of demonstrating community support for public services. I always have a book on loan because even in my small local library, I can find a book that I wouldn't have bought, which stretches my thinking into new fields.
Under the Public Libraries Consolidation (Scotland) Act, as amended in schedule 21 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, local authorities in Scotland have a statutory duty to provide "adequate library facilities" for all residents in their area. The problem is that 'adequate' is not defined. I recall seeking counsel's opinion on a possible legal challenge some years ago, only to be told that the test could probably be met by one public library in the local authority area. There are some local acts on libraries, but they are no more substantial. Several local authorities have also outsourced their libraries to culture trusts, further blurring the statutory duty.
Like other local government services, libraries are under financial pressure. 83 public libraries have closed in Scotland since 2009/10, with spending cut by 30 per cent over the same period. This is despite yearly visitor numbers increasing by over 40 per cent. Many more libraries have cut their opening hours and reduced staff. Around 20% (700+) of all public libraries in the UK have no professional staff. They are spun as 'volunteer led', a euphemism for blackmailing communities into running libraries under the threat of closure.
There has been a welcome move towards abolishing library book fines, although the data is limited. Glasgow Life has recently done this, arguing that it reflects a growing global movement to abolish late book fines, recognised as a barrier to participation, particularly for families from low-income households. A progressive move after they controversially closed several libraries, later reopened after great community campaigns.
The importance of professional staff is reflected in the wide range of services and activities in our libraries. It also provides an objective voice in selecting books and other resources. I am sure there would be no shortage of well-meaning middle-class people in my town who would be prepared to help run the library. However, they would have little idea of the wider community's needs. This is becoming a genuine concern in the USA as books are banned because some ideologue doesn't like the content. My experience as a UNISON official was that librarians made fearsome negotiators, always well prepared. A skill that even Donald Trump is discovering as he faces legal action for keeping files from US government librarians. I am also in awe of the work being done by "Crazy Ukrainian librarians" in the most difficult of circumstances.
The broader value of public libraries as a community resource is being recognised in the concept of 'warm banks' in response to the energy crisis. Librarians have always recognised this well before the current crisis. The consumer champion Martin Lewis has commissioned a best practice guide on this. A recent survey showed that 60% are actively considering participating in a "warm bank" scheme, offering heat and shelter to vulnerable people, as another way to help during the cost of living crisis.
In England, Baroness Elizabeth Sanderson has been appointed by the UK Government to help develop a new strategy to ensure public libraries provide the best possible service for their communities. There have been some understandably cynical responses to this initiative, but we will see. Almost one in five (18.6%) children in England between the ages of five and eight do not have access to books at home. Authors and publishers have urged the new prime minister to abolish "the last remaining tax on reading", and ensure schools have funding for author visits and invest in libraries.
So, please use Libraries Week to show your support for a vital public service. And challenge your elected representatives to strengthen the statutory duty, employ more library staff, invest in resources and keep our libraries open.
