Public Libraries

Lord Phillips of Sudbury Excerpts

Thursday 10th January 2013 Lords Chamber

[Viscount Younger of Leckie]

The point is noted, and I will look into that. On the assumption that I am able to do it, the sentiment is there that I will put the note in the Library.

[Lord Phillips of Sudbury]

My Lords—

[Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton]

My Lords, would the Minister—

[Noble Lords]

Order!

[Lord Phillips of Sudbury]

My Lords, will the Minister accept that libraries are about far more than books? In an age where community life is under great strain, they are focal points for a whole range of activities besides the traditional one. Does that not make the closure of any library a self-destructive act?

[Viscount Younger of Leckie]

Not necessarily. The quick answer is that library services are changing, as I mentioned earlier, as a result of changing demand. It is, however, true that there is an opportunity to use libraries for different services rather than just taking books out. This includes the use of wi-fi and the provision of coffee shops; for example, there are some libraries attached to leisure centres. I repeat, therefore, that the situation is changing.