UK media, leading writers, including two former Children's Laureates, and library advocates including CILIP CEO, Nick Poole came out in force to defend public and school libraries in response to Baroness Sanderson’s Review of Libraries.

The review was published on 18 January, and CILIP's analysis of the review found that ‘[...] everything hinges on whether the recommendations will be taken forward into the next Parliament, in what form and with what financial and political support, both locally and centrally.’

Read full analysis

CILIP will continue to make the case for more targeted intervention and support for libraries under the next parliament.

Nine minutes of BBC Radio 4’s Broadcasting house was dedicated to the plight of libraries and the huge range of services they provide, recognising that libraries were taken for granted and misunderstood.

During the show, Michael Rosen, former Children's Laureate, poet and public library advocate, spoke up about how “people are distraught... in pain because of the closures...and deprived of regular access to free books.”

In the Observer, novelist Philip Pullman called for new UK laws to ensure all schools in Britain have librarians, adding his voice to the Great School Libraries campaign, that has also brought in authors Michael Morpurgo and Julia Donaldson.

CILIP is a partner in the Great School Libraries Campaign, and we hope that Philip’s call to action also advocates for legislation to support professional librarians in every school library.

Writer Lucy Mangan joined the debate in a passionate piece for the Independent: "Now, I am fluent in Bookworm so let me translate: in laymen’s language, I think what is actually being said here is something along the lines of – 'Branding campaign? Libraries laureate? National data hub showing the effects of libraries on communities? I’ll tell you what shows the effects of libraries on communities – libraries!'"

The Bookseller reported a broadly positive response from the industry, but highlighted potential risks about the report's viability under a new government as well as the continued cuts to libraries and other public services.

In the article Nick noted: "In common with most local services, public libraries have been starved of resources through the combined impact of devolution, austerity and short-term decision-making. It is a testament to their resilience, leadership and commitment that they have continued to deliver exceptional, life-changing services despite this.

"Baroness Sanderson’s recommendations will not reverse the damage of years of austerity. However, we believe that part of the solution to securing a brighter future for public libraries involves raising them up the political agenda, and several of her recommendations — if implemented — will contribute significantly to this."

Read full Bookseller article

Listen to Radio 4's Broadcasting House [34:14 - 42:58]

Read fulll Observer piece

Read Lucy Mangan's piece

CILIP's view on the Sanderson Report