Lobbying your MP on libraries - the latest

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It’s great to hear that people are having success lobbying their MP on libraries…

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Following on from the Speak Up for Libraries Lobby of Parliament, people continue to  lobby their MP on libraries.

Some of the outcomes and experiences of this are noted as comments on the original post, here.

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And the following response has just been received:

‘Hello fellow library fighters!

My name is Anna and I work as a library assistant at Seaford library for East Sussex County Council. I attended the Speak Up For Libraries rally in February.

Today I met with my MP in Brighton, Caroline Lucas. I provided her with the key lobby message from the rally as well as an inside perspective from frontline staff. I also tried to give a voice to people who rely on the library service but who for different reasons may not be able to speak up for themselves.

Caroline is a friend of our cause and has on several occasions spoken up for libraries.

http://www.carolinelucas.com/latest/standing-up-for-local-libraries

http://www.carolinelucas.com/latest/caroline-holds-an-advice-surgery-at-the-jubilee-library-in-the-north-laine

http://www.carolinelucas.com/latest/emergency-exits-to-other-worlds

She asked if there were any good examples of local library activism and I mentioned that the children in year 5 at one of our local primary schools took it upon themselves to write a letter to the council because they had heard that the opening hours of the library are being reduced.

So there’s hope for the future, basically!’

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Caroline Lucas MP with Anna

If you have a story to share, please let us know!

 

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Speak Up For Libraries is a coalition of organisations and campaigners working to protect libraries and library staff, now and in the future.

Website: www.speakupforlibraries.org

Twitter: @SpeakUp4Libs using lobby hashtag #SUFLlobby16

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SpeakUpForLibraries

Eventbrite: http://sufl.eventbrite.com

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Lobbying your MP - outcomes

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We’d love to know how you got on lobbying your MP.

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Whether you managed to meet with your MP today, as part of the Speak Up for Libraries Lobby of Parliament, have arranged to meet with them at another time, or have been in correspondence with them, we know others will be as interested as we are to know the outcome.

For example,

What issues did you raise with your MP?

And, have they acted or promised to take action as a result of your lobbying?

Ideally, please add the details you are happy to share as a comment to this post.

Or you can email us and we will post them up,  if you prefer.

 

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Speak Up For Libraries is a coalition of organisations and campaigners working to protect libraries and library staff, now and in the future.

Website: www.speakupforlibraries.org

Twitter: @SpeakUp4Libs using lobby hashtag #SUFLlobby16

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SpeakUpForLibraries

Eventbrite: http://sufl.eventbrite.com

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Key Lobby Messages #SUFLlobby16

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Key lobby messages

for the lobby of Parliament on 9 February 2016:

 

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You can download a copy but hard copies will be available on the day.
Speak Up Libraries flyer - Key lobby 16 messages

 

Don’t forget to book a place to attend the event to help us cater for numbers and to ensure that you receive updates.

Full details and link to booking are here.

 

 

Other information

Find the EDM here.

Further details of how to lobby your MP here.  This includes important information about security if you are meeting with your MP at The House of Commons.

 

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Speak Up For Libraries is a coalition of organisations and campaigners working to protect libraries and library staff, now and in the future.

Website: www.speakupforlibraries.org

Twitter: @SpeakUp4Libs using lobby hashtag #SUFLlobby16

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SpeakUpForLibraries

Eventbrite: http://sufl.eventbrite.com

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Speak up for libraries on 9 February! #SUFLlobby16

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Library user?
Library campaigner?
Library worker?

Join us!

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Please book a free place on Eventbrite to help us cater for numbers and to ensure that you receive any important updates.

Book here: https://sufllobby16.eventbrite.co.uk

The rally is in the Aldersgate Room, Central Hall Westminster, from 10am, for registration and refreshments.

Aldersgate Room
Central Hall Westminster
Storey’s Gate
LONDON
SW1H 9NH


Programme

10am Registration, with tea, coffee and biscuits provided and the chance to network.

11am The rally with speeches, music, videos and information on how to lobby your MP.

The full line up of speakers is:
Eve Ainsworth (Seven Days, The Blog of Maisy Malone) - just launching her latest novel Crush with Scholastic (‘Love hurts… but should it hurt this much?’).

Philip Ardagh, multiple award-winning comic writer and dramatist (the Grubtown Tales, Eddie Dickens & The Grunts series) - Guardian book reviewer and the loudest beard in literature.
Jake Arnott (The Long Firm, He Kills Coppers, truecrime, Johnny Come Home, The Devil’s Paintbrush, The House of Rumour) - the first two made into successful TV serials.
Cathy Cassidy, million selling Queen of Teen award winner (the Chocolate Box Girls series, Looking-Glass Girl) - breaking off from a schools and libraries tour to promote her new paperbacks (Penguin Random House).
John Dougherty, irrepressible children’s writer (the Stinkbomb & Ketchup-Face series) - singing by special request his classic lament ‘What’s Wrong with [libraries minister] Ed Vaizey?’
Dawn Finch, librarian, literacy consultant and best-selling author (Skara Brae, Brotherhood of Shades, The Book of Worth) - speaking here as President of CILIP (Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals)
Alan Gibbons, million-selling, multiple award-winning children’s writer (Shadow of the Minotaur, End Game, Hate) - tireless campaigner and international speaker.
Laura Swaffield and Elizabeth Ash, The Library Campaign.
Heather Wakefield, head of local government, UNISON.
Alan Wylie, Voices for the Library.

1pm onwards Delegates will make their way from Central Hall Westminster to the House of Commons to meet with their MPs.  

Details of how to lobby your MP will be recapped on the day but do write to your MP to try to arrange a meeting with them and please check the security requirements also. Full details of how to lobby your MP, including a link to security requirements and a sample letter, can be found here.

Please note: There will be no march as part of the event and no official meet up afterwards.

 

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FAQs

How much does it cost to attend?
Nothing! The event is free but booking helps us cater for numbers and ensures attendees receive updates.
Can I book a place for someone else?
Yes, you can if you have their consent to do so.  You will need their email address though so we can contact them directly with any important updates.

Can I book by phone?
It really helps if you can book via Eventbrite but it is possible to book by phone.

What if the cost of travel is a barrier to attending?
Please get in touch. The Library Campaign may be able to help out with travel costs. UNISON members should contact their local branch about paying for their travel.

Can I bring promotional material for my campaign/library group?
Delegates are welcome to bring along flyers or brochures relating to library campaigns or friends of library groups.  A table will be provided to display these.

We cannot accommodate any stands, displays, advertisements, items for sale or other material. If you are unsure, please get in touch.

Can I bring my own food and drink to consume at the venue?
No. We will be providing tea, coffee and biscuits as part of the event, at no cost to those attending, but it is a condition of booking that any food and drink not provided as part of the booking is not consumed on site.

Wesley’s Cafe, on the lower ground floor, offers a selection of food and beverages and a small cafe is situated at street level.

How do I contact Speak Up for Libraries?
Please call 020 8651 9552 or 07968 491 355, or email speakup4libraries@gmail.com

 

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Speak Up For Libraries is a coalition of organisations and campaigners working to protect libraries and library staff, now and in the future.

Website: www.speakupforlibraries.org

Twitter: @SpeakUp4Libs using lobby hashtag #SUFLlobby16

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SpeakUpForLibraries

Eventbrite: http://sufl.eventbrite.com

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How to lobby your MP #SUFLlobby16

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Not sure how to lobby your MP?

Download our guide here: How to lobby your MP

The draft letter to MP, in Word,  can be downloaded here: How to lobby your MP - letter in word

 

Lobbying your MP

Take the proof of confirmation of appointment to show so that you are not delayed in the queue going through security at the Houses of Parliament.

Without confirmation of an appointment, you can still seek to lobby your MP on the day, but you will use the green card system.  This may require joining a queue to gain entry to the Houses of Parliament and then a wait in Central Lobby after lodging your interest to see your MP via the green card system.

Even if it proves that your MP is not available to meet with you on the day, he or she will receive the card that you complete indicating the reason you sought to meet with them and they should respond to you at a later date.

We will be including a session on lobbying at the rally and we will have stewards in hi-vis jackets at the rally and at the Houses of Parliament, should you need assistance or advice on the day.

Security
Everyone wanting to enter the Houses of Parliament will go through security.  You will not be able to take through any placards or other prohibited items.  For the full guidance, please see:  http://www.parliament.uk/visiting/access/security/

PLEASE book a place to attend the lobby to help us cater for numbers and to ensure that you receive updates. Full details and link to booking are here.

It’s free to attend, but is cost of travel a barrier to you attending?
UNISON members can approach their branch to help with travel costs in the first instance.

The Library Campaign is happy to consider requests from anyone interested in attending who finds the cost of travel a barrier.

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Speak Up For Libraries is a coalition of organisations and campaigners working to protect libraries and library staff, now and in the future.

Website: www.speakupforlibraries.org

Twitter: @SpeakUp4Libs using lobby hashtag #SUFLlobby16

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SpeakUpForLibraries

Eventbrite: http://sufl.eventbrite.com

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Top authors speak up for libraries at Parliamentary lobby on 9 February

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Best-seller Jake Arnott is the latest writer to sign up for the Speak Up For Libraries (SUFL) lobby of Parliament on 9 February.

‘Throughout our history,’ he says, ‘the library has proved to be the most effective and resilient memory system for our culture and civilisation.

‘The public library creates a collective consciousness. Any attack on it simply adds to a social dementia.’

The day begins with a public rally at Central Hall, Westminster (10am-1pm), with a line-up of speakers chaired by campaigning author Alan Gibbons. All welcome, whether joining a lobby or not.

Alan’s Campaign for the Book is part of the SUFL alliance, alongside librarians’ professional association CILIP, campaigners’ charity The Library Campaign, UNISON and Voices for the Library.

Supporters from as far away as Gateshead, Shropshire, Lancashire and Lincolnshire will then descend on the Commons to lobby MPs to focus on the root cause of libraries’ grim situation - apathy and ignorance in local and central government.

‘These people are fighting hard locally to keep libraries alive. They are desperate to show this is a major issue for the whole nation,’ says Laura Swaffield of The Library Campaign.

‘And it’s not too late for others to join us.’

 

THE FULL LINE-UP OF SPEAKERS:

  • Eve Ainsworth (Seven Days, The Blog of Maisy Malone) - just launching her latest novel Crush with Scholastic (‘Love hurts… but should it hurt this much?’).
  • Philip Ardagh, multiple award-winning comic writer and dramatist (the Grubtown Tales, Eddie Dickens & The Grunts series) - Guardian book reviewer and the loudest beard in literature.
  • Jake Arnott (The Long Firm, He Kills Coppers, truecrime, Johnny Come Home, The Devil’s Paintbrush, The House of Rumour) - the first two made into successful TV serials.
  • Cathy Cassidy, million selling Queen of Teen award winner (the Chocolate Box Girls series, Looking-Glass Girl) - breaking off from a schools and libraries tour to promote her new paperbacks (Penguin Random House).
  • John Dougherty, irrepressible children’s writer (the Stinkbomb & Ketchup-Face series) - singing by special request his classic lament ‘What’s Wrong with [libraries minister] Ed Vaizey?’
  • Dawn Finch, librarian, literacy consultant and best-selling author (Skara Brae, Brotherhood of Shades, The Book of Worth) - speaking here as President of CILIP (Chartered Institute of Library & Information Professionals)
  • Alan Gibbons, million-selling, multiple award-winning children’s writer (Shadow of the Minotaur, End Game, Hate) - tireless campaigner and international speaker.
  • Laura Swaffield & Elizabeth Ash, The Library Campaign.
  • Heather Wakefield, head of local government, UNISON.
  • Alan Wylie, Voices for the Library.

AUTHOR QUOTES

Libraries matter. They matter to all communities, but especially to those in the most deprived areas. And they matter to the little girl inside this author who discovered adventures and magic within a wonderful, and often under appreciated, haven.
Eve Ainsworth

The local library is a port of call for: books, local information, human contact, internet access, newspapers and magazines, a safe environment, a quiet environment, help with form-filling, advice, and the countless other little things that all add up to bigger things. Speak up for libraries before there’s nothing left to shout about.
Philip Ardagh

Throughout our history the library has proved to be the most effective and resilient memory system for our culture and civilisation. The public library creates a collective consciousness. Any attack on it simply adds to a social dementia.
Jake Arnott

Without libraries, I would never have had access to books as a child, would never had stood a chance of following my dreams. Now our public libraries are being closed all around us; it’s a national scandal, and we must stand together against these closures, for the sake of our children and the future of our country.
Cathy Cassidy

If we want a society that is literate, cultured, educated and compassionate, then a well-funded, professionally-staffed public library service is not a luxury. It is a necessity. And the destruction of service that our government is allowing is quite simply immoral.
John Dougherty

Libraries are the cornerstone of a well-informed society. I strongly believe that there is not a single person working at high level in their field who has not at some point turned to a library for help. It’s not rocket science, but without libraries there will be no rocket science.
Dawn Finch

The public library service is being hollowed out. This is its worst crisis. Action is urgently needed to secure its future.
Alan Gibbons

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NOTES

  1. Libraries have borne the brunt of public spending cuts in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales):

(i) Over 100 were lost last year; at least 441 have closed in the past five years; 149 are currently under threat, with new threats announced almost daily.

(ii) Most surviving libraries are suffering severe cuts to staff, book funds and opening hours. Since 2010 there has been a 22% drop in staff (full time equivalents), including a 32% drop in professional staff and a 93% rise in volunteers (though on average each works just 38 hours per year).The skills, knowledge base and quality of service available to library users is being seriously eroded.

(iii) The future looks as bad - or worse. After last year’s Spending Review, the Local Government Association commented: ‘Even if councils stopped filling in potholes, maintaining parks, closed all children’s centres, libraries, museums, leisure centres and turned off every street light, they will not have saved enough money to plug the financial black hole they face by2020.’

  1. MPs will be lobbied to:
  • sign the Early Day Motion supporting libraries and the lobby
  • acknowledge the importance of public libraries
  • call on government to do its job by producing statutory guidance on standards, and a development programme
  • call on local authorities to ensure adequate funding.
  1. The Early Day Motion:

That this house recognises that public libraries are hugely important to our communities; acknowledges that many have already closed and many more are under threat; welcomes the Speak Up For Libraries lobby of Parliament in support of the UK’s public library service on 9 February 2016; and therefore calls on the Government to ensure that councils have enough money to provide well staffed quality library services; to enforce the law that says local authorities must provide a comprehensive and efficient library service; to implement policy which secures people’s statutory rights to a quality library service and gives libraries a long-term future by  including a programme of library development and modernisation in the 2016-2020 DCMS Business Plan.

 

PRESS CONTACTS:

  • Campaign for the Book: Alan Gibbons 07889 981739 ; mygibbo@gmail.com
  • Author interviews + The Library Campaign: Laura Swaffield, 07914 491145; lswaffield1@gmail.com
  • CILIP: Cat Cooper, 020 7255 0653 (mobile 07867 455070); cat.cooper@cilip.org.uk
  • UNISON: Fatima Ayad, 020 7121 5255; press@unison.co.uk
  • Voices for the Library: Lauren Smith, 07503 173894; media@voicesforthelibrary.org.uk

DETAILS:   http://speakupforlibraries.org

 

TRAVEL COSTS
The Library Campaign will consider giving lobbyists financial support for travel costs if they are otherwise unable to attend the lobby. Contact: thelibrarycampaign@gmail.com or 020 8651 9552 / 07968 491355.

 

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Speak Up For Libraries is a coalition of organisations and campaigners working to protect libraries and library staff, now and in the future.

Website: www.speakupforlibraries.org

Twitter: @SpeakUp4Libs using lobby hashtag #SUFLlobby16

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SpeakUpForLibraries

Eventbrite: http://sufl.eventbrite.com

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Does your MP speak up for libraries? Ask them to sign EDM 1025

EDM No. 1025: 

That this House recognises that public libraries are hugely important to our communities; acknowledges that many have already closed or are under threat; welcomes the Speak Up For Libraries lobby of Parliament in support of the public library service on 9 February 2016; and calls on the Government to ensure that councils have enough money to provide well-staffed quality services to enforce the law that says local authorities must provide a comprehensive and efficient library service, to implement policy which secures people’s statutory rights to a quality library service and to give libraries a long-term future by including a programme of library development and modernisation in the 2016 to 2020 Department for Culture, Media and Sport Business Plan.

 

EDM No. 1025: http://www.parliament.uk/edm/2015-16/1025 

Has your MP signed in support?

 

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To attend the rally prior to lobbying your MP, find the details and how to book, here.

This event is open to everyone!

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Lobby of Parliament for libraries on 9 February 2016 – Join us! #SUFLlobby16

 

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Library user?
Library campaigner?
Library worker?

Join us!

Screen Shot 2016-01-10 at 19.55.46

Please book a free place on Eventbrite to help us cater for numbers and to ensure that you receive any important updates.

Book here: https://sufllobby16.eventbrite.co.uk

 

We will meet in the Aldersgate Room, Central Hall Westminster, from 10am, for registration and refreshments.

Aldersgate Room
Central Hall Westminster
Storey’s Gate
LONDON
SW1H 9NH


Programme

10am Registration, with tea, coffee and water provided.  

11am Speeches, music, video and information on how to lobby your MP.

1pm onwards Delegates will make their way from Central Hall Westminster to the House of Commons to meet with their MPs.  

Details of how to lobby your MP will be available shortly and recapped on the day.

 

Please note: There will be no march and no official meet up afterwards.  

 

footerColour

FAQs

How much does it cost to attend?
Nothing! The event is free but booking helps us cater for numbers and ensures attendees receive updates.
Can I book a place for someone else?
Yes, you can if you have their consent to do so.  You will need their email address though so we can contact them directly with any important updates.

Can I book by phone?
It really helps if you can book via Eventbrite but it is possible to book by phone.

What if the cost of travel is a barrier to attending?
Please get in touch. The Library Campaign may be able to help out with travel costs. UNISON members should contact their local branch about paying for their travel.

Can I bring promotional material for my campaign/library group?
Delegates are welcome to bring along flyers or brochures relating to library campaigns or friends of library groups.  A table will be provided to display these.

We cannot accommodate any stands, displays, advertisements, items for sale or other material. If you are unsure, please get in touch.

Can I bring my own food and drink to consume at the venue?
No. We will be providing tea, coffee and water as part of the event, at no cost to those attending, but it is a condition of booking that any food and drink not provided as part of the booking is not consumed on site.

Wesley’s Cafe, on the lower ground floor, offers a selection of food and beverages and a small cafe is situated at street level.

How do I contact Speak Up for Libraries?
Please call 020 8651 9552 or 07968 491 355, or email speakup4libraries@gmail.com

 

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Speak Up For Libraries is a coalition of organisations and campaigners working to protect libraries and library staff, now and in the future.

Website: www.speakupforlibraries.org

Twitter: @SpeakUp4Libs using lobby hashtag #SUFLlobby16

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SpeakUpForLibraries

Eventbrite: http://sufl.eventbrite.com

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Save the date! Speak Up For Libraries Lobby of Parliament announced

Save the date lobby 16

Plans are now underway for our Lobby of Parliament, announced at the Speak Up For Libraries Conference on 14 November 2015.

Follow and use #SUFLlobby16 on Twitter.

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