This appeal in from the Friends of Isle of Wight Libraries, in their own words. Ed
This is an appeal to all Islanders who appreciate the service that Library Staff have given us over the years.
Please help fund our legal challenge, so that we can keep the first class service we are used to.
What’s happening
On 19th-20th July the first Library Judicial Review is being held at the High Court. This is the action brought by the Brent Libraries Group.
We have been provisionally granted a hearing during the last week of July.
Although our legal team are fighting the Legal Services Commission (LSC) decision to demand a 50% contribution from the community, we could be required to find up to £10,000.
Pledge your support
We are seeking pledges of support, the community contribution would only be needed if we lose and only then would pledges be called in.
The need for community donations is because most legally aided cases of this nature not only benefit the person bringing the case but also the much wider community.
The LSC will not fund this type of case in its entirety. Without community support the case cannot go forward.
Lack of comprehensive library service
Our challenge is based on the fact that the IW Councils plans breach Section 7 of the Public Libraries & Museums Act of 1964 in that their intention to shut five libraries means that a “Comprehensive Library Service” will not be available to all who want it.
In our view, the so called “consultation” with the library users was so flawed as to be totally worthless.
Wrongful dismissal of staff
As well as fighting for the retention of our libraries, we are also fighting for the 20 plus library staff who have, we believe, been wrongfully dismissed.
These staff have provided a dedicated service to Islanders for many years and do not deserve the treatment they have received from the IW Council,
Send pledges to the legal team
Our legal team are Leigh Day & Co., Solicitors of Priory House, 18-25 St John’s Lane, London EC1M 4LB. If you wish to donate, or to make a pledge of support, please do it to this address, marked Isle of Wight Library Challenge and for the attention of Shirley Bright.
Alternatively credit card donations can be made to Leigh Day on 020 7650 1240 or by PayPal to [email protected]
What will happen to my donation/pledge?
If the challenge is unsuccessful the money will be used to pay towards the legal fees. If the challenge is successful, the Isle of Wight Council will be expected to pay most of the costs.
If this happens the balance of the community contribution will be returned either to the donors, or to the Friends of the IW Library Service to be used to benefit the libraries we have saved.
If you wish your donation returned to you when we are successful, please tell us and also Leigh Day so we can keep a list.
Please help us to save our libraries, once they’re gone, they’ll never come back.
Image: Ginnerobot under CC BY 2.0
