Libraries on borrowed time while councils try to balance books

The numbers being touted around are stark.

After the Department of Culture Media and Sport revealed the number of adults borrowing books is in steep decline, one campaigner has now

warned between 600 and 1,000 libraries will close in the next 18 months.

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With the Government tightening its belt, more could well follow as the humble library once seen as an essential part of every town, city and

small suburb is rebranded an unviable luxury.

Those poised with the axe are armed with persuasive arguments. The number of people who visit a library on a weekly basis has dropped by 32 per cent in five years, it's no longer the first port of call for harassed parents in need of a little quiet time and the planned modernisation programme which came in at a cost of 2m can no longer be justified.

However, while the initial headlines make grim reading, dig a little deeper and a very different picture emerges. According to the Reading Agency, the reality is less straightforward than terminal decline and libraries can not only survive, they can thrive.

"They say there are lies, damn lies and statistics and I am afraid that's true," says Miranda McKearney, director of the Reading Agency charity. "Research carried out earlier this year showed children's book borrowing has risen for five years running, the numbers of young people using libraries is steady and web visits have risen by 50 per cent.

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"At a time when the Government is demanding spending cuts there is a danger that when it comes to libraries we throw the baby out with the bathwater and we need to take a step back and look carefully at what is actually happening out there."

The Reading Agency, which was set up to inspire more people to read, has a vested interest in keeping libraries open, but event it admits that some could do better.

"Libraries can no longer just be about books on shelves. People have to think imaginatively. The best libraries offer everything from reading groups to children's activities and adult literacy sessions.

"Yes, people come in to borrow books, but they also go to the library for a whole host of other reasons.

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"In the last five or 10 years there has been a lot of good work done to encourage children into libraries and the Summer Reading Challenge which operates across the country has been a great success. The premise is simple, each year children are encourage to read six or more books of their choice during the summer holidays. There is a series of incentives, plus a certificate or medal for everyone who completes the challenge and in 2009 725,00 took part and this year the numbers are likely to be more than 750,000.

"Now, the effort which has been focused on changing the children's service needs to be applied to adults."

One of the most recent success stories has been in York, where the

central library has been transformed. Gone are the dark rows of

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imposing bookshelves and in their place modern fixtures have been installed, the lighting has been improved and the opening of a cafe just a few steps from the children's area means footfall has increased dramatically.

Add in the fact the library has now made space to run author events and it can now also operate outside the usual restricted opening times. All

that costs money, but while cutting the libraries budget may provide an immediate gain, in the long-term the effects could be painful.

"In tough financial times, we cannot afford to undercut libraries' ability to create a nation of readers – our literacy skills deficit is already too large," adds Miranda.

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"However, we also have to be realistic and admit that under the new plans, the library network is unlikely to survive in its current shape. The trick is prioritising and innovating.

"However, we must not lose sight of libraries' radical purpose. They are about creating a fairer society and providing a vital focal point for the community. They help people become skilled readers and it's not an exaggeration to say that without them, the chances and opportunities people are given in life would be greatly reduced.

"Every body and organisation has to cope with reduced budgets and everyone understands that. However, the danger is libraries are seen as a soft option for cuts. If that happens, we will all be poorer for it."