If another 400 UK libraries close by 2016, as predicted, the true loss to society will be even greater than we realise
'Words have the power of to transform lives; everyone should be able to enjoy the education, knowledge and escapism that books offer.' Photograph: Monkey Business Images / Rex Fea
The Library Campaign has accused the government of hiding the exact impact of cuts that could cause the closure of a further 400 UK libraries by 2016. As a long-term supporter of the campaign to keep libraries open, I've signed petitions and shared articles promoting the virtues of free access to books. I believe in the power of words to transform lives – everyone should be able to enjoy the education, knowledge and escapism books offer. Yet until recently, I didn't understand libraries' true value, and just how great their loss would be for society.
I have fond memories of my first library. Housed in a wooden cabin raised on bricks, it was the only source of books in the north Hertfordshire village I grew up in. I'd run up the ramp, the drumming of my feet on it heralding my reunion with stories. I read from one end of the library to the other. It smelled of dust jackets and hot chipboard. Libraries were a place of magic. My gran, who lived in a small town, had a mobile library that visited every fortnight. I'd offer to carry her Mills & Boon volumes, knowing I'd get to select an extra book for myself.
When I reached university, the library was a huge 1960s concrete mushroom overlooking a lake. It stayed open 24 hours a day in term-time, and 3am visits suited my night-owl tendencies.
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I have fond memories of my first library. Housed in a wooden cabin raised on bricks, it was the only source of books in the north Hertfordshire village I grew up in. I'd run up the ramp, the drumming of my feet on it heralding my reunion with stories. I read from one end of the library to the other. It smelled of dust jackets and hot chipboard. Libraries were a place of magic. My gran, who lived in a small town, had a mobile library that visited every fortnight. I'd offer to carry her Mills & Boon volumes, knowing I'd get to select an extra book for myself.
When I reached university, the library was a huge 1960s concrete mushroom overlooking a lake. It stayed open 24 hours a day in term-time, and 3am visits suited my night-owl tendencies.
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