The Booksellers Association, along with the Publishers Association and the Society of Authors, provided written statements to the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) as part of an inquiry into library closures. These three entities aim to provide support for public libraries in the face of substantial funding cuts and a growing urgency for substantial changes to create a financially viable system in the long-term.
The BA argued that “There are no comprehensive guidelines for voluntary-run libraries and we cannot believe they will be sustainable in the long term.” Prominent library campaigner Desmond Clarke also added, “The committee’s decision to inquire into library closures indicate they are very much aware of the level of public concern and anger. While people understand that cuts are necessary, there is a strong feeling that these have been disproportionate and too little has been done to improve operational efficiency and reduce the 151 separately managed authorities.”
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