Libraries Deliver, by Dawn Finch

One of the questions I’m asked the most is, “what can I do to help libraries?” When I’m talking to authors I’ve never had to defend the purpose and value of libraries, you all get it. Many of you are active in library campaigns, and you’ve probably all shared and supported things like petitions. You all sign up to support school libraries, and speak regularly about the importance of well-funded and staffed library service.

But many of you have wondered how effective this has all been, and you wonder if you’ve really made a difference. I can categorically say that you have. Bit by bit the many library campaigns around the country have made a real difference. It might not feel like it as the situation around libraries grows more precarious every year, but your dedication has made a difference.

However, there is a problem, and that problem lies in both the physical and virtual distance between the campaigns and campaigners. The country is full of dedicated library activists all fighting for their libraries, and it is important that we join them all together and try to coordinate these actions. This can greatly amplify our voices.

CILIP (the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals) has secured funding from Arts Council England to work with EveryLibrary Institute launch a new digital hub to engage the public with the power, impact, and importance of properly funded library services.

In an effort to raise awareness and make a meaningful, long-term impact on the future of library funding, CILIP and the EveryLibrary Institute announced the launch of LibrariesDeliver, an advocacy campaign designed to connect people from across England in support of their libraries.

The core of the campaign is LibrariesDeliver.uk, an advocacy website (completely GDPR compliant) designed to connect an extensive network of individuals and advocacy groups about library funding and use, and to give them the tools and support to go even further.

Some examples of the wonderful images free to download
from the new website

On the shiny new website, library supporters of all kinds can sign up to become part of the campaign, pledge to support libraries, create and field petitions about funding, donate to support libraries, and become even better organised and connected. Nick Poole, CILIP’s Chief Executive. “As it grows, LibrariesDeliver will focus new attention on policy and funding choices by local councils and national government to demonstrate support for proper library funding. We do all this work in partnership library leaders, local groups and supporters to reach better funding outcomes,” adds Poole.

Right now, LibrariesDeliver needs names, it needs people, it needs you.

Go to the website and sign up, then share this and the other links that connect to the LibrariesDeliver site. Use the resources – share the data, the articles and the images. All of these are free and open access and LibrariesDeliver has given full permission to use them in your activism. 

Give the campaign a like on Facebook - and a follow on Twitter ( @libdeliveruk ) and share and retweet anywhere and everywhere you can.

We’ve all been working so hard on this for so long, now we can all join hands over the virtual networks and become even stronger.

While you’re reading I just wanted to take the opportunity to say something else.

Thank you. On behalf of library users, and library and information workers everywhere – thank you for all your support.

Please don’t ever stop giving it!

Dawn Finch is a children’s author and library activist. She is a trustee of CILIP and a member of the Society of Authors’ Children’s Writers and Illustrators Committee (CWIG)

@dawnafinch

www.dawnfinch.com

About CILIP

CILIP is the UK’s library and information association. Founded under Royal Charter in 1898, its role is to promote the long-term development of library and information services and to support librarians and information professionals. Information about our work, including this project, is available at http://www.cilip.org.uk.

About the EveryLibrary Institute

The EveryLibrary Institute is a US Based 501c3, non-profit organisation, dedicated to enhancing public and political support for library funding and the visible role of librarians in society. The core work of the EveryLibrary Institute is to advance a research, training, and programmatic agenda that strengthens the public policy and funding framework for libraries and librarians in the future. Please visit http://everylibraryinstitute.org for more information.