Across TV and newspaper reporting Libraries have been getting more coverage than I have ever known. A series of closures, cuts and reductions in staffing will have an effect on library services - and book lovers - like never before: 407 libraries plus 53 mobiles are currently under threat or have recently closed. Have a look at this map to see the extent of the service cuts. (you can zoom in and navigate around the map)

 

The savage cuts have resulted in a number of community campaigns in support of much loved local libraries. Locally it is not yet clear what the overall impact will be in Enfield - but whilst no branch libraries are up for closure the Haringey library service has announced significant job cuts.

In the London Borough of Haringey a "Read in" has been proposed to celebrate National Library Day: Nine authors are going to be reading in nine Haringey libraries on Feb 5th. More details from Haringey Libraries.

There will be events happening in In our nearest Libraries at Alexandra Park Library
Jonny Zucker and Cheryl Moskowitz will be visiting to read and talk. For times, contact 020 8489 9770

At Central Library Wood Green local poets Frances Lewis and Shelly Vickers Pertz will be reading their work and answering questions between 4:00pm and 5:00pm

In response to the cuts , The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals has nominated February 5th as Save Our Libraries Day with a sliding scale of activities that you can udertake in support Public Libraries.

If you are in any doubt about the power of libraries and books - If you are at all interested in books have a read of this inspiring speech by author Philip Pullman who speaks of his own joy at discovering the wonder of books through public libraries.