It’s Library Week in the UK this week and council’s up and down the country are announcing their plans to get more down to their local library. 

Oldham’s Liberal Democrat Opposition Leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE has said that “libraries are needed more than ever and could play a frontline role as we try to tackle the cost-of-living crisis.”

The Liberal Democrat Leader says that Oldham Council bosses have so far been unambitious in their efforts to help people through the current economic situation. 

Councillor Sykes said, “People are really struggling.  If you were just about managing to keep your head above water before all this, you’re now looking at being plunged into poverty because of the damage the Conservative government has done to the economy and their refusal to help anyone who isn’t rich.  So far, the response from our Labour council hasn’t been good enough.  Less than half of their £3million cost-of-living strategy will be spent this year and most of it will be too slow to reach frontline services.” 

“People need strong local services now more than ever and libraries have always been able to serve as community hubs when properly funded.  Liberal Democrats want to see extended opening hours, more resourcing for children to be able to do their homework after school; and investment in library staff and volunteers so that they can run advice services for people who are struggling – just like elsewhere in the country.”

After a Liberal Democrat motion was passed in September, Oldham Council agreed to set up warm spaces around the borough for people to go to this winter, keeping costs down at home in the evenings.  Councillor Sykes said, “Libraries and community spaces need investment if they are going to be able to offer the support that our communities need.  We are calling on the council’s leadership to provide a detailed update, outlining exactly how are libraries will be supported this winter, in this Libraries Week.”