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 Fury as Lambeth's library book fund slashed by Labour
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Users of Lambeth libraries have reacted with fury following a 'stealth cut' of one third in the current year's library books fund and a moratorium on buying new books. The Labour administration has reduced the annual spend for the current year on books from £500,000 to £360,000 and won't buy any more books until so-called "crisis budgeting" has taken place.

Now library users are asking whether the new Labour administration will follow the example of their predecessors in 1998-2002 who closed the libraries at Streatham Vale, St Martin's, Tulse Hill, and Clapham Park.
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One commented to an Internet chat room: "Why are the libraries a scapegoat again? This is from a party whose priority is supposed to be equality and diversity – tell that to people who can’t afford books, films, childcare and computers."

Councillor John Whelan, Leader of the Conservative Opposition, says: "One resident has written to me saying this mean-spirited decision means death by a thousand cuts for the library service. It's all very well having refurbished premises, but they’re not much good if there are no books on the shelves. This cut was made behind the backs of
users but luckily they have found out thanks to leaks by council employees with a conscience."



CLICK HERE to read Cllr John Whelan's weblog entry on this issue >>



This issue in the news
Books fund is slashed - South London Press, Friday 14th July 2006 [PDF]
Give credit where due - South London Press, Friday 4th August 2006 [PDF]



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