UK Public Libraries Cut Services
'horrifying' cuts to library services with almost 200 libraries closed since 2016
Nearly 200 council-run libraries have been closed or handed over to volunteer groups in the last eight years with more than 2,000 jobs lost as the “decimation” of this public service continues.
An investigation by the BBC Shared Data Unit also found that nearly 950 surviving libraries had reduced their opening times since 2016. It follows a previous BBC study which found 8,000 jobs had been lost and 343 libraries closed between 2010 and 2016.1
Public libraries in 'crisis' as councils cut services
Freedom of Information requests sent to every library authority in the UK and Arts Council England data show the country has lost one in 20 libraries since 2016, either by closing them completely or moving them over to volunteer-run groups.
About 950, a third of those remaining, have had their hours reduced and at least three councils have at least halved their provision since 2016.2
Kolade, Tai. 'Horrifying' cuts to library services with almost 200 libraries closed since 2016.My London, September 2, 2024.
Public libraries in ‘crisis’ amid cuts. BBC News. September 4, 2024.
Endless billions for Israel and Ukraine mean nothing for people at home.
So sad for the people, since humans can't evolve or cope at all without information and without art.