Libraries Connected and CILIP welcomes the findings of the judicial review of Northamptonshire library service, as it confirms that councils must give careful consideration of their legal obligation to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service.

We are also pleased that the council had begun to reconsider its plans for libraries, and we are offering to provide support to help identify the best outcome within the constrained financial circumstances.

Libraries Connected President, Mark Freeman, said “We are acutely conscious of the stress this prolonged situation is causing both library staff and the communities they serve. We will work with Arts Council England, CILIP and the libraries team at DCMS to provide consistent support and advice over the next critical months.”

CILIP Chief Executive Nick Poole said, “This ruling sends a clear message to Local Authorities everywhere that, notwithstanding the undoubted financial pressures they face, the provision of public libraries remains a statutory duty and due process must be followed when considering the future delivery of services. We will continue to work with National and Local Government, and sector partners to ensure that the necessary funding and support are available to guarantee this.”

Notes:

Libraries Connected is a membership organisation, representing heads of library services in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We take a leading role in the development of public libraries through advocating for the power of libraries, sharing best practice and helping to shape the public library service now and in the future. Libraries Connected is a registered charity, no 1176482.

CILIP, the library and information association, is the leading voice for the information, knowledge management and library profession. Our goal is to put information and library skills and professional values at the heart of a democratic, equal and prosperous society. CILIP is a registered charity, no. 313014.

Contacts:

Isobel Hunter

Chief Executive, Libraries Connected

Isobel.hunter@librariesconnected.org.uk

0203 370 2307

0773 828 1703

Mark Taylor

Director of External Relations, CILIP

mark.taylor@cilip.org.uk

020 7255 0654

07792 635 305