I don't know if he had any idea of the furore that his pronouncements would kick up, but I don't think that such speeches by any author are helpful when we are battling to keep our libraries open. Everyone is entitled to their opinion - and my opinion is that everyone is entitled to access to a library.
Mr Dreary has been fortunate enough to make a lot of money, and as such, is probably more than able to buy any book that takes his fancy. Most of us are not in this position and as such, rely on our libraries to access to reads that we may not otherwise be able to enjoy. Not to mention their use in relaxation and research.
Author Matt Haig wrote a great piece in the Guardian about his love of libraries. I don't know whether Mr Dreary has read it, or whether he'd be swayed by it. Possibly not. I and many others, however, most certainly agree.
It is decades since I borrowed a book from a library, but I still think the facility should remain. Some people only have access to a computer at a library too - that's iimportant.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good point, Lizy!
DeleteI love libraries. I make good use of our local library when I am doing research for my writing. And although I love to buy new books, I couldn't possibly afford to buy all the ones I want, so the library is good for borrowing books that I don't want to keep. Libraries are great places for children too. Our library holds lots of holiday activities to promote reading for children.
ReplyDelete