CILIP pushes for library support in election campaign

CILIP, the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, is leading a campaign calling for politicians to make local libraries a big election issue.

At VoteLibraries.uk, library supporters across the UK can sign a “#VoteLibraries” pledge, download social media elements, posters and campaign materials to use in their local area, and email their local candidates to encourage them to show their support.

It is part of Libraries Deliver, an advocacy project from CILIP with the EveryLibrary Institute and follows on from research published last month, “Public Libraries: The case for support”, highlighting the positive impact of libraries and calling for investment.

Nick Poole, c.e.o. of CILIP, said: “We want to send a strong message to anyone standing the in this election, after years of public sector austerity, the time for investment in our public services is now. Libraries play a vital role at the heart of every community across the country and the public want to see their elected officials standing up for their communities.

“Although many see this as a ‘one-issue’ election, we are not a one issue country. Whatever happens in the coming weeks and months, the library’s role in promoting inclusive economic growth, supporting local businesses and combatting loneliness and social isolation isn’t going to change and we need a government that recognises and supports that.”

In addition to the public campaign, CILIP will also be putting pressure on major parties to to include support for libraries in their manifesto commitments as well as encouraging prospective MPs to pledge to support libraries in their constituencies.