J. K Rowling’s support for a petition fighting to protect libraries in the UK by assuring government funding has helped garner another 15,000 signatures in just over a week.
Many prominent authors such as Neil Gaiman, Philip Pullman, Malorie Blackman and Joanne Harris have added their names to the petition, which aims to ringfence government funding to assure libraries stay open. Rowling retweeted the petition last weekend, but the petition needs more signatures if it’s to make a difference.
Libraries are the last refuge for many and a lifeline, not just for readers but for those looking for work, the homeless and many others. They offer vital services to the community and are one of the few places left where you are not expected to spend any money for your time there. Critics claim the current situation for libraries, where many are volunteer run is simply unsustainable and unless a solution is found and more funding is created, many libraries may be under threat.
Over the last couple of years many UK libraries have been threatened with closure and many cities in the UK are facing a situation where they may lose all but their main central library.
The petition is currently at 25,000 signatures and we hope you’ll also add your name on the petition page, which can be found here.
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