Letts on libraries

I've just finished listening to a programme on Radio 4 with Letts discussing libraries and it has left me disheartened, annoyed and generally shouting at the radio. The entire programme gave such an old fashioned, elitist view of libraries as silent places with worthy books and none of that annoying technology to spoil them. The short quotes from Alan Gibbons helped a little but apart from that the impression that libraries should continue to stagnate and not try to attract younger people or move with the times was quite ludicrous and extremely irritating. Letts patronising and snobbish tone did the save our libraries campaign no favours at all , indeed the damage done will put back the cause. 
Why get caught up in semantics - whether a library is called a learning zone, learning resources centre or dream zone it still does the same thing - provide reading material, research opportunities and support to the community, no matter their age or reading tastes. Of course that's just a few functions and to list all of them would take more time than I have. To suggest that libraries being run by volunteers is a good idea is insulting to professional colleagues and devalues the vital role they fulfil. 
Think this was the first time I've listened to Radio 4 - will probably be the last too! Let's hope the day improves....... can't possibly get more depressing one would hope.


Twitter hashtag - #r4lettsdoeslibraries

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