Library Lovers Launch Campaign

Lovers of the public library, including those here in Dargaville, are sending postcards to Parliament this month in a campaign to make sure libraries don’t get lost in any new legislation regarding Local Government.

The campaign, put out by the Library and Information Association of New Zealand/Aotearoa (LIANZA) and supported by the Public Service Association (PSA), features a white card with a map of New Zealand - that is created in books, a big red heart and the caption “New Zealanders Love Libraries.” On the other side, the message reads: “Dear ___, Please make sure that Public Libraries are a core service of Local Government across New Zealand. Thank you! Yours sincerely ___”

The campaign is timed with the review of the Local Government Act. The Minister of Local Government is to have a paper to cabinet by 30 August 2009. The aim is for Local Government to focus on core, front line services. “We think that in a democracy that includes public libraries,” says Dargaville Library Manger Paula Guy Stuve. “By embedding libraries as a core service of Local Government, there is tremendous benefit in equity, in literacy outcomes and in lifelong learning. After all, libraries are the most used council facility by choice,”

“In these recessionary times, our libraries are experiencing even greater numbers through the door and this service needs to be protected as much as other services,” she added.

If you would like to participate in this campaign you can pick up postcards at the Dargaville Library.