Save Our Libraries Essex (SOLE) is calling on residents to take part in a central government consultation on local government reorganisation (LGR), which could have major implications for the future of library services in the county.
The group led a successful campaign in 2019 to save two-thirds of Essex’s libraries.
A SOLE spokesman said: “We urge everybody in Essex to complete the consultation and to give your opinion.
“We are a library campaign, so we’re not here to offer opinions on the different options available and have answered ‘neither agree nor disagree’ to all questions.
“But if you’re concerned that the reorganisation is being delivered as a fait accompli, about the lack of democracy, and about the potential cost, this is the time to tell the government.”
The group is also supporting national organisations such as the Chartered Institute for Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) and Libraries Connected in calling for ring-fenced government funding for library services.
SOLE’s own consultation response forms part of its “Essex Libraries – better together” campaign, which urges any future unitary authorities to retain Essex Library Service as a single, unified network.
The spokesman said: “We do though believe we have offered practical solutions as to how library services can adapt to the changes.
“The legislation already exists to allow two or more councils to establish joint boards to run library services, and we are pleased that our proposal to do that and prevent the break-up of Essex Library Service has already been well received by local politicians from across the political spectrum.
“We hope they deliver on that when they’re running the new unitaries.
“This post-LGR world – with library services existing beyond council borders – really is the time for the government to respond positively to long-standing calls for it to provide specific, ring-fenced, funding for our libraries.
“We can then start to deal with the sad and ongoing decline in literacy with a nationwide strategy.”
