Closures are cause for shame

Feb 18 2009 by Lorna Hughes, Birkenhead News

THIS intended closure of eleven public libraries brings shame to Wirral.

The government is concerned over school-leavers' literacy and the BBC also does much to encourage reading, as for example the programme in which Michael Rosen inspired the children in a small Welsh school to a renewed interest in reading and visiting their local library.

Reviewing that programme in a national newspaper last Wednesday, Terence Blacker wrote: “The effect on the children's lives was dramatic – indeed, anyone engaged in library closures, that great betrayal of the next generation, should, if they were watching this film, have felt truly ashamed.”

This is not a national reputation that Wirral residents wish to have. Could this decision not be reconsidered?

MARY HODGSON

EASTHAM