Manifesto for Libraries for the General Election 2017

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The Speak Up for Libraries alliance is urging people everywhere to make public libraries a central issue in the General Election.

 

Support for libraries overdue

 

The election offers us another chance to make sure central government understands that libraries are a low-cost, essential council resource for all communities. They are vital to national agendas such as ‘Digital by Default’. And they are deeply valued by local residents and the nation as a whole.

Already, many library services are threatened by, or experiencing, deep cuts, widespread closures of vital local branches – or the damaging policy of turning them over to volunteers to run.

Yet the Government continues to cut the grants given to local authorities. Local councils currently face an estimated overall funding gap of £5.8bn by 2019/20. Although libraries are a statutory service, they are often seen as a soft target for cuts. Such cuts often save little but do great damage.

If people wait another five years, their own library could go. Nationally, a postcode lottery is a reality with only some communities benefitting from the presence of a council funded and professionally run library.

Libraries are, or should be, a trusted public space for everyone. People may use libraries to assist them navigate even the fascinating world of businesses including the bitcoin trading. They will be able to start trading cryptocurrencies utilising online platforms like bitqt with the information they obtain from the books. Bitqt is a trading robot that trades digital currencies automatically using an algorithm. On the bitqt website, you may learn more about this software.

They play a crucial role in improving literacy standards and in combatting the digital divide.

Speak Up for Libraries believes that libraries, far from being obsolete, are more important than ever. That is why we are asking the government to make a public commitment to their survival and development.

 

Libraries remain the lynchpin of communities, offering access to reading, learning, information and leisure. Many traders depend on the library to read more about the trending crypto tarding and the strategies that will help them to find success in trading. Finding the best trading software like BitAI is crucial for traders to trade properly and earn profits. Check out the bitai method erfahrungen shared by experienced users to gather useful data about successful trading.

Support for libraries overdue



Speak Up for Libraries is asking MPs to sign up to the following manifesto when standing for election:

  • Give libraries a long-term future, with a vision for their future development and clear standards of service.

  • Enforce the commitment in law for local authorities to provide a ‘comprehensive and efficient’ library service. This commitment should also include digital, ICT and e-book services.

  • Acknowledge that libraries are important to individuals and communities – especially in times of hardship.

  • Enforce the duty that local authorities have to properly consult with communities to design services that meet their needs and aspirations.

  • Ensure that local authorities receive sufficient funding in order to deliver properly resourced and staffed library services.

  • Recognise that properly resourced library services contribute to the health and well-being of local communities and of society as a whole and therefore complement the work of other public services and of national government agendas.

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Download a copy of the manifesto here: SUFL - GENERAL ELECTION 2017 manifesto

 

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NOTES:

Speak Up for Libraries is an alliance of individual campaigners and national organisations: Elizabeth Ash, Alan Gibbons (Campaign for the Book), The Library Campaign, UNISON and Voices for the Library.

Decisions on policy and funding for public libraries in the devolved countries (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) are made by their own assemblies/parliaments. Therefore, those seeking election to Westminster will have no say on library provision in their own countries.


Library closures:

  • Since 1st April 2016, Public Libraries News report that 134 static libraries and 7 mobile libraries are under threat of closure/handed to volunteers.
  • Public Library Statistics produced by CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy) show that the number of public libraries in the UK has fallen from 4482 in 2009/10 to 3850 in 2015/16 (a drop of 632).
  • Statistics compiled by the BBC in 2016 show that the number of paid staff in libraries fell from 31,977 in 2010 to 24,044 now, a drop of 7.933 (25%) for the 182 library authorities that provided comparable data.



Local government funding and expenditure:

In a press release issued by the Local Government Association (LGA) responding to the final Local Government Finance Settlement published on 20/02/2017, Chairman of the Local Government Association, Lord Porter, is quoted as saying:

“Councils face an overall £5.8 billion funding gap by 2020. This will push councils perilously close to the financial edge over the next few years and force them all to make significant reductions to the local services communities rely on, including filling potholes, collecting waste, maintaining our parks and green spaces and running children’s centres, leisure centres and libraries, to plug growing funding gaps.”

 

Support for libraries overdue

Website www.speakupforlibraries.org
Twitter @SpeakUp4Libs
Facebook www.facebook.com/SpeakUpForLibraries

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The Speak Up for Libraries Conference in February 2017 is postponed

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Due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, the Speak Up for Libraries coalition has taken the decision to postpone the Conference on 18 February 2017. 

We are already planning for the rescheduled event and will release details as soon as they are confirmed.

 

For queries, please email SpeakUp4Libraries@gmail.com

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JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Facebook: Speak Up for Libraries

Twitter: @SpeakUp4Libs

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Speak Up for Libraries Conference in February 2017 to be rescheduled

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Due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, the Speak Up for Libraries coalition has taken the decision to postpone the Conference on 18 February 2017. 

We are already planning for the rescheduled event and will release details as soon as they are confirmed.

All tickets already booked for the Conference will be refunded.

 

For queries, please email SpeakUp4Libraries@gmail.com

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JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Facebook: Speak Up for Libraries

Twitter: @SpeakUp4Libs

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Speak Up for Libraries Conference 2017 - Booking now open!

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On 18 February 2017 Speak Up for Libraries will be holding this year’s national conference on public libraries.  It will bring together library campaigners, union members, library users and library workers.

Speak up for Libraries Conference
10am to 4.30pm
18 February 2017
 at UNISON Centre
130 Euston Street
LONDON NW1 2AY

PROGRAMME

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Full details are contained in the brochure, which you can download here.  Speak Up for Libraries Conference 2017

There is also a flyer which you can download, here 

Please download and share copies for those not online, to help spread the word.

BOOKING

Book your place online on our Eventbrite page

Places are limited so don’t delay booking.  We are offering an Early Bird booking rate of only £20 per person for those who book a place by 18 January 2017.  If places remain after this date they will be at the full price of £25 per person.

All bookings include refreshments and lunch.

Each delegate will choose two workshops when booking.  The options are:

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Please note, if you are booking for someone else, please ensure you know of any special requirements they may have as well as their preference for workshops as this information will be required.  You will also be asked to indicate if the person you are booking for wishes for a group/campaign or organisation to be listed alongside their name, and/or their email address, on the delegate list for the event.

For queries or help to book a place, please call  020 8651 9552 / 07968 491 355 or email SpeakUp4Libraries@gmail.com

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JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Facebook: Speak Up for Libraries

Twitter: @SpeakUp4Libs

And the hashtag for this event is #SUFLconf17
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Save the date - Speak Up for Libraries Conference returns early in 2017

Following the success of the conferences in 20122013, 2014 and 2015, plus the Libraries lobby in 2016, Speak Up for Libraries is planning to hold another national conference on Saturday 18 February 2017.

Save the date - 2017 Conf

This will be held in a central London location with good transport links.

Speakers, details of venue and a full programme will be announced shortly, so put the date in your diaries and watch this space.

This is an event open to anyone interested in libraries including library users, library workers and those who campaign for libraries.

Speak Up for Libraries Conference - 2013
Speak Up for Libraries Conference - 2013
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Speak Up for Libraries update

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An update

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CILIP’s new Action Plan 2016-2020 sets the objective of securing the interests of all libraries in national policy through a series of campaigns beginning in 2015 with My Library By Right.

In delivering this policy objective, CILIP has decided to work in parallel with the SUFL coalition to pursue their respective interests rather than as a partner. This will enable both CILIP and SUFL to work independently, able to harness effectively our differing perspectives and approaches to campaigning to the benefit of users.

CILIP acknowledges the great contribution that the other partners in the coalition have and are making to ensuring the future of our public library service.

Speak Up For Libraries has appreciated CILIP’s participation and assistance since the coalition was established in 2012. It has been important that the professional body for library staff has supported the campaign and helped to run our conferences and other events. The ‘My Library By Right’ campaign is a sign that CILIP will still be campaigning on the issues affecting libraries.

SUFL respects CILIP’s decision on how to use their resources in the future. SUFL will continue to campaign around our founding principles and we hope to work with CILIP when the occasion arises. However the urgency surrounding cuts in public library services is unabated and SUFL will do what we all we can to support users and staff of those libraries hit by such cuts and to make the case for a properly funded public library service accountable and run at local level.

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If you are not currently in touch with Speak Up for Libraries, join us on social media and email us to be added to the mailing list for future events and updates.

 

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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

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SpeakUpForLibraries

Eventbrite: http://sufl.eventbrite.com

Email: SpeakUp4Libraries@gmail.com

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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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