Yes, Prime Minister

Interestingly, Gordon Brown has chosen a Christmas card with a double link to libraries – illustrated by Shirley Hughes, much loved doyenne of children’s book illustration and winner of the Kate Greenaway Award (administered by CILIP’s Youth Libraries Group); and produced in support of Booktrust, the charity which delivers Bookstart, the nationwide “books for babies” scheme which began as a local initiative recognised by the Libraries change lives award (administered by CILIP’s Community Services Group).

Interestingly, it’s precisely these areas of professional expertise and achievement – childrens’ librarianship, community librarianship and similar specialisms – which are under threat as the drive for yet more efficiency savings cuts deep into the work of many Public Library Authorities.  In some places, the professional base of the public library service is being dismantled – and yet it is precisely that professional base which gives the service its capacity and creativity to contribute to the shared priorities of central and local government.  What’s the betting on which Public Library Authority will be the first to mark the upcoming National Year of Reading by making their Reader Services Librarians redundant in order to meet budget cuts?

As Chancellor, it was Gordon Brown (rather than DCMS) who delivered the funding for Bookstart.  As Prime Minister, will it be Gordon Brown (rather than DCMS) who stands up for the professionalism of public library service?  The skills and values of LIS professionals can make a positive difference to people’s lives – that’s the message I read into Gordon’s very well chosen (and I’m sure very carefully chosen) card for Christmas.