State of public libraries

I am grateful to 4imprint's Public Sector News for a review of the state of public libraries in England (and presumably Wales, since the same legal and financial imperatives apply, even though the administration is separate). The writer points out that:

According to recent figures from the Carnegie UK Trust, 1 in 2 of us still visit our local library. Interestingly, 15 to 24-year-olds are the most likely group to use a library, with over-55s being least likely to do so. That's perhaps the opposite of what many might have initially assumed, and a good example of why library operators must understand the specific needs of the people they can serve.

However:

The library service has come under huge pressure in recent years, with many being closed as councils aim to absorb public sector spending cuts. In fact, a recent study by the BBC found that between 2010 and 2016, more than 300 have closed. But all has not been lost, as the number of volunteers helping to keep libraries operational has nearly doubled from 15,861 to 31,403 over these six years. It's an indication of how library services are seeking to adapt to changing times.

One appreciates the public spirit of those volunteers, in spite of the perception that local authorities are exploiting cheap labour, but there must be a concern that the experience and knowledge of trained librarians is being lost. A key finding of the Carnegie UK Trust study was that most people believe providing better information on the services that libraries offer would encourage greater use. Clearly, having expert advice on-hand must be part of that provision.

The writer is on the whole optimistic:

In a sense, the traditional role of the library has been diminished. But that doesn't mean they've outlived their usefulness. Instead, they can look to see where they might be able to add genuine value to the local community in other ways. For instance, is there a large proportion of unconnected people in the area who could benefit from having affordable computer access?
[...]
Many libraries are starting to position themselves as a community hub and place where local people can gather and interact. For instance, some offer cafe facilities alongside their traditional books and computers, giving people the chance to come in for a slice of cake and a mug of tea as well as a read! This can be an effective revenue generator, raising funds that help to subsidise every aspect of managing a library, and an appealing USP that gets people inside and learning about the services available. Alternatively, libraries could reach out to local schools and businesses, offering themselves as a venue for events. Again, this could get people who might not otherwise visit to come inside and learn what else a modern library can offer.

Some local libraries in Neath Port Talbot indeed offer additional facilities - for instance, the family history sessions at Taibach Community Library. However, the continued downgrading of the borough's libraries with the aim of saving money in the short term must be resisted.