County Hall, Maidstone (image c/o John47kent on Flickr)
During a meeting earlier this year, proposals were put before the 73 Conservative members of Kent County Council regarding the future of libraries across the county. It is alleged that these proposals included the potential closure of a substantial number of libraries across the county. The Kent Messenger’s political editor, Paul Francis, wrote at the time:
“Precise figures are hard to come by but at least one source has mentioned over 40.”
There are presently over 100 libraries across the county, meaning that the proposals suggested the closure of nearly half of all the libraries in Kent.
Interestingly, not all the councillors were enthusiastic about the proposals:
“Sources say that many county councillors were aghast at the proposals, not least because some of those identified for closure were in Kent’s Conservative heartlands. Others pointed out that they had made various election commitments that local libraries in their areas would be safeguarded.”
Perhaps recognising the strength of many campaigns across the country, one councillor allegedly remarked:
“You can do more or less what you like to any other service and not many will care, but not to libraries.”
Read more at Voices for the Library.
