Why I care about keeping Fife’s Libraries open
Category: Inspiration for the Nation 2016
Guest Blog by Bryce Sutherland, one of the campaigners behind‘Keep Fife’s Libraries Open’ as part of the ‘Scotland’s Libraries: Inspiration for the Nation’ Campaign.
The decision to close sixteen libraries across Fife was finally taken on 18th February 2016.
In June of 2015 I heard the proposals to close sixteen libraries across my county of Fife. I had never been the most politically active of people but the sheer scale of this move made me lurch into action. Those behind the proposals had no intention or consulting with the communities affected (until the campaign against them gained momentum) so I set up a petition and did all I could to spread the word. This led, rather unintentionally, to me being the mouthpiece of the campaign, and the question posed most frequently to me, was, in essence, “Why do you care?” The implication was that libraries are obsolete, arcane institutions; a drain on local resources and funding. Who even reads books anymore?
Perhaps this shows where the library system has failed. The general populous are still under the incorrect assumption that libraries are quiet spaces for elderly people to peer down their noses at dusty old books, watched over by the imposing matriarchal librarian, forever shushing us into silence. Libraries haven’t been like that for at least 30 years. They are now modern, vibrant, welcoming places, catering to the needs of the very young to the very old, as they should. Young people more than ever need to be encouraged to read – from print, might I add – and the library offers groups in which they can bond with their friends, and, more importantly, their parents. These so-called “Book Bug” sessions are an asset and instrumental in children’s development. In turn, this access to knowledge (which is free) creates another bond, that between child and library. Once the child is at school often the bond is broken, except for occasional visits orchestrated by the school itself. Here the libraries should be asserting itself and continuing its relationship with young people.
Older people, the largest demographic in Scotland at the moment, are encouraged to use computers and e-books in libraries. Even if they aren’t interested, they can use the library for its more traditional purpose. Often the librarian will be the only person isolated elderly people will have spoken to that day, so removing libraries isolates them further.
Young, old, everyone in between. Those people in between, such as myself, can access knowledge for free. They also have free access to the internet, which is vital today for seeking work, keeping in touch with friends and family, staying abreast with current affairs, especially if you are unfortunate enough to be in the position where the facilities aren’t readily available to you. Anything that advances knowledge or someone’s chance of improving their situation should be cherished and championed.
So why do I care? I care because I was once one of those downtrodden desperate people looking for a warm, safe respite for an hour a day to allow me the opportunity to better my circumstances through job searches and maintaining contact with friends I could no longer afford to travel to catch up with. There were and are many people out there who are far worse off than I, and they need all the assets the government can afford them, not fewer. If you are one of the lucky people who can afford all the books, Kindles and internet access money can buy then good for you, but don’t slight those who can’t by giving up on libraries.