The Libraries APPG provides MPs and Lords with information and opportunities for debate about the role that libraries play in society and their future, with Justin Tomlinson MP as its Chair.
The APPG exists to promote and discuss themes in the wider information and knowledge sector including the impact of technology, skills and training, professional standards and broader issues.
Library and information services exist in a variety of places including schools, prisons, universities, government, private companies, law firms, colleges, health and public libraries.
By developing literacy skills, providing access to information and enabling the transfer of knowledge libraries and staff help build a fair and prosperous society. It is important they are run by skilled staff with the right expertise.
The launch
The APPG was officially launched on the 14 December.
At the launch comedian and bestselling author Tony Hawks and the Libraries Minister, Ed Vaizey MP were special guests.
Tony Hawks said: “Libraries are something I am very positive about. I was recently asked what made me proud to be British and I said it was our libraries. Free public libraries and free museums are some of the things we have been world leaders in and other countries have followed us.”
Libraries Minister Ed Vaizey commented: “I think it’s very important that we have a core library service and professional librarians have to be at the centre of that. I think libraries are here so stay and every community will have a library at their heart, and long may that be so.”
Justin Tomlinson MP
Tony Hawks, author and comedian
Official entry in the Parliament All Party Groups Register
For more information contact:
Mark Taylor, Director of External Relations, CILIP: mark.taylor@cilip.org.uk or 020 7255 0654.