Many public libraries throughout New Zealand are finding themselves in challenging circumstances, with councils wanting to impose charges on basic services such as book borrowing. These and other cost-saving measures are being proposed at a number of local authorities as the squeeze goes on to reduce costs and increase revenue.
Labour MP Darien Fenton has introduced a Member’s Bill – Local Government (Public Libraries) Amendment Bill into Parliament. This is likely to be up for its first reading on 7th November.
If
passed, the bill will ensure public libraries are protected by legislation, as
they are in countries like Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, and that
basic services like book borrowing and internet use are free.
LIANZA is asking for your support because we believe your organisation holds similar core values and interests to us: a commitment to human rights, literacy, and education as well as progression for everyone, regardless of their background or financial situation. Organisations such as yours are uniquely placed in their communities to make people aware of, and to encourage participation in, this campaign. You can help us to make MPs aware of how high levels of public support are for this Bill.
How you can help
Visit
the LIANZA website campaign page to find out more – http://www.lianza.org.nz/news-events/keep-public-libraries-free especially the How
You Can Help page Like
our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/KeepPublicLibrariesFree Email
or visit your MP before the 7th November. MPs need to know about the
real human impact of library charges – how are you, or would you be, impacted
by public library charges? How would people within your community or specific
area of interest? Ask your MP to vote in favour of the Local Government (Public
Libraries) Amendment Bill when it has its first reading.Use
your personal, work and community contacts to encourage as many people and
community organisations as possible to do the same.
LIANZA is the professional organisation for the New Zealand library and
information management profession. Our membership comprises of professional
staff in every library sector including public, tertiary, business, health
& medical, law, central government, school and theological libraries.
Public
Libraries have huge support in New Zealand with nearly 39 million visits last
year. The recent Kiwis
Count survey published by the State Services Commission shows that
New Zealanders love their public libraries and are visiting them more often.
The survey found generally high levels of satisfaction with public services but
none higher than public libraries.
With your help, and that of your community networks,
we can make sure that politicians get the message to Keep Public Libraries Free
loud and clear!
Many thanks for your support,
Yours sincerely,
Laurinda
Laurinda Thomas
President Elect, LIANZA
Library and Information Association of New Zealand
Aotearoa
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