Sheffield Green Party supported the Central Library “Shhh” action as part of the National Day of Action for Libraries on February 5th. Central ward Cllr Jillian Creasy commented :

“The council may have no current plans to close libraries; but massive budget cuts are in the pipeline for future years which could be very damaging for services.  Libraries are a vital source of information not just from books but, increasingly, by providing access to the internet.  They also provide a social lifeline for many.  We support the national campaign and the Library Workers for a Better Future campaign in Sheffield.  The library network plays a vital role in our society and we must fight to protect libraries, services and librarians in Sheffield and across the country.”

The video of the protest is here.

NOTES:

1. The Shhh event is at the Central Library was at 11am on Saturday 5 February. More information here.
2. “Library Workers for a Brighter Future” state the following on their website:

“In Sheffield it is being proposed that the present library budget of £8.5m should be cut by £2.5m by 2013/14, i.e. by £1.4m in 2011/12 and £550k in 2012/13 and 2013/14.