Massive Library Closures Discussed on Radio Solent This Morning

Cultural and educational vandalism was the message this morning when campaigners against the proposed closure of nine of the eleven libraries on the Isle of Wight appeared on Julian Clegg’s Radio Solent morning show.

Julian CleggVentnor Town Councillor, David George, spoke about the action planned for tomorrow, when library users plans to take out 30 books each from the Lord Louis Library in Newport (by the bus station) at 10am. David expressed his wish that the ‘Crime’ section be emptied first, symbolising the ‘Cultural Vandalism’ he felt was taking place with the proposals.

Also appearing on the show was concerned resident, Sue Morgan who explained how essential she felt local libraries were to the community.

Sue went on to explain the importance of libraries in engaging pre-school children and the impact that the cuts to these services will have.

Chale, Niton and Whitwell county councillor, Dave Stewart was also invited to share his views. He said that many people had already volunteered to run the Niton library and that he was pushing the IWC to commit to supporting those volunteers.

To listen to the discussion skip to one hour and five minutes into the show on iPlayer to hear more.