As part of the National Day for Libraries on 5th February, 2011, Barnet UNISON are running a stall outside the Broadwalk Shopping Centre, Station Road, Edgware between 10.30 a.m. and 12 noon in support of the Barnet "Save Our Libraries" and UNISON’s "Love Your Libraries" campaigns.
The day of action has been organised nationally by children’s author and Blue Peter Book Award 2000 winner Alan Gibbons, to highlight the danger of up to 400 libraries being threatened with closure. Upon learning of Barnet Councillors referring to libraries as a 'lifestyle choice' and suggesting that residents should collect their books from supermarkets, Gibbons commented:
"’Let them buy books from Tesco!’ - Barnet's Councillors are posing as latter-day Marie Antoinettes. They want to 'save money' by closing libraries. Illiteracy is not something we should bequeath our children. Culture and reading are not a frippery. They are an essential element in a democratic society." (Alan Gibbons)
Local author and winner of the Orange Award for New Writers 2006, Naomi Alderman, is backing the event, and remembers how Hendon Library provided her with a quiet area and inspiration to write her debut novel ‘Disobedience'. In support of the day, she claims:
"Libraries are needed by the poorest and most vulnerable in our community. Children who want to study but have no quiet place in a crowded or noisy home to do it. Pensioners on fixed incomes whose greatest pleasure is reading but who can't afford to buy new books. Those people on low wages who aren't able to afford internet access or reference books at home. They are a way to care for the minds of our citizens, just as hospitals care for our bodies. They should be the very last thing we consider cutting, not the first." (Naomi Alderman)
If Barnet residents agree with Alan and Naomi, they will have an opportunity to sign the petition in support of protecting Barnet's libraries at the stall. The petition is also available for signature online at http://www.gopetition.com/petition/39319/sign.html
"’Let them buy books from Tesco!’ - Barnet's Councillors are posing as latter-day Marie Antoinettes. They want to 'save money' by closing libraries. Illiteracy is not something we should bequeath our children. Culture and reading are not a frippery. They are an essential element in a democratic society." (Alan Gibbons)
Local author and winner of the Orange Award for New Writers 2006, Naomi Alderman, is backing the event, and remembers how Hendon Library provided her with a quiet area and inspiration to write her debut novel ‘Disobedience'. In support of the day, she claims:
"Libraries are needed by the poorest and most vulnerable in our community. Children who want to study but have no quiet place in a crowded or noisy home to do it. Pensioners on fixed incomes whose greatest pleasure is reading but who can't afford to buy new books. Those people on low wages who aren't able to afford internet access or reference books at home. They are a way to care for the minds of our citizens, just as hospitals care for our bodies. They should be the very last thing we consider cutting, not the first." (Naomi Alderman)
If Barnet residents agree with Alan and Naomi, they will have an opportunity to sign the petition in support of protecting Barnet's libraries at the stall. The petition is also available for signature online at http://www.gopetition.com/petition/39319/sign.html
For further information about the event on February 5th please contact:
- Contact: John Burgess Barnet UNISON on 07738389569 or email: john.burgess@barnetunison.org.uk
- Further details on The Day of Action nationally can be found on Alan Gibbons blog: http://alangibbons.net or UNISON web site
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