Unison to hold 'SOS Day' for libraries

Trade union Unison is to hold a day of campaigning for libraries which will see the organisation call on decision makers to take action on “shameful” spending cuts.

Taking place across the UK on the 19th October, the Save Our Services Day intends to show support for libraries and raise awareness of the “devastating impact” cuts have had on the service.

The organisation is asking members to show support by joining their local library, and to make sure they visit and use the range of services on offer. The organisation also intends to “take action” on “shameful” spending cuts and ask councils to commit to providing comprehensive library services.

The union said libraries are a "hub" and a "haven" in communities offering people a place for people to work, relax, discover and think as well as hold events and advise IT.

“The incredible work that libraries do every day to support their local communities is under threat because of Westminster’s unfair cuts to spending on local services," the union said. "Libraries have been hit particularly hard by cuts: more than 478 have closed in just six years. The effects of these cuts – closures, redundancies, library privatisation and loss of expertise – are devastating for libraries and for the people who depend on them. We need to make sure that library services are protected and invested in so that communities can enjoy and benefit from them now and in the future.”

The body is calling on the public to take a photo or make a short video that best shows the most helpful or unusual thing their library does and post it on Twitter or Facebook, using the hashtag #SOSlibraries; to share their story using the form on the Save Our Services campaign page; or to email UNISON at sos@unison.co.uk.