Support for the Library Service is Cross-Generational and National
A letter signed by over 160 writers, illustrators, and publishing professionals has expressed deep concern over the recent cuts to Lambeth’s library service. The letter, compiled by local award-winning illustrator Dapo Adeola, highlights the devastating impact of these cuts on the community and the profession.
- Signatories range from well-known local figures to national names such as Adam Mars-Jones, Stella Duffy, and Francesca Simon.
- Local award-winning illustrator Dapo Adeola has designed a poster for campaigners and has also compiled the letter.
The Devastating Impact of the Cuts
The cuts to Lambeth’s library service were sudden and drastic, with the annual libraries budget being reduced by £1 million. This represents a significant decrease, equivalent to the same amount as the 1984 budget, thus reduced two-thirds by inflation.
- The book fund was frozen last November, and there is now no allocation for new books in the 2025-26 budget.
- There has been no book fund for nine months, leaving the library service struggling to maintain its collection.
Expert Opinion and Personal Testimony
The letter expresses the concern that the cuts are having a profound impact on the community, particularly in terms of access to literature and literacy. The signatories note that the library service has been ‘firefighting’ ever since the cuts were made in 2015, and that staff are under heavy pressure.
“Many, if not all, of us have taken part in the library service’s festivals and regular events. We love that the events are free for all to attend and organized by trained librarians who care about reader development, literacy, and getting books into the hands of the public.”
Dapo Adeola comments:
The UK is currently experiencing record levels of illiteracy amongst its children. Now is not the time to be cutting funding from libraries.
“Reading levels are at an all-time low, with children from disadvantaged homes being affected the most. The implication for the social and cognitive development of future generations is a massive cause for concern. Poor literacy has long-term economic consequences, including reduced lifetimes and increased spending on social and welfare services.”
Preserving the Future of Reading
The letter has been delivered to Lambeth’s head of council, Claire Holland, at Lambeth Town Hall. The signatories urge the council to reconsider the cuts and to invest in the library service.
- Authors and illustrators are calling for the council to allocate funds for new books and to maintain the library service’s collection.
- The signatories believe that the library service is essential for promoting literacy, reader development, and social cohesion.
Join the Movement
If you are not an author or illustrator and would like to sign the petition, you can do so here: https://www.change.org/p/halt-the-25-funding-cuts-to-lambeth-s-award-winning-library-service. Full text and signatory list can be found here: https://forms.gle/M5pRzaaR3gLFb6Pt5.
A Call to Action
The future of reading and literacy is at stake. The signatories urge everyone to join the movement and to demand that the council reverses the cuts and invests in the library service. Together, we can preserve the future of reading and ensure that everyone has access to the books and resources they need to succeed. Support the library service and join the fight for literacy!
Awards and Recognition
Dapo Adeola has received numerous awards for his work, including the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2020, Illustrator of the Year, and the British Book Awards 2022. His work has been widely recognized for its impact on the literary community.
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