Defend rural libraries from closure

Written by NIPSA members in LibrariesNI Tuesday, 25 January 2011 20:02

By NIPSA members in LibrariesNI who will be victimised/possibly sacked by management if they put their names to this article

LibrariesNI have announced another ''consultation'' about proposed library closures. The last consultation resulted in ten libraries being closed in Belfast. Over the past 5 years, twenty libraries have been closed across Northern Ireland. This time they are attacking rural libraries in Armagh, Carnlough, Draperstown, Fintona, Gilford, Greystone, Kells & Connor, Killyleagh, Moneymore, Moy and Richhill.

EXCLUSIVE: Plans to close Woodstock library leaked

Written by website admin Monday, 07 June 2010 16:44

Tommy Black calls for immediate statement from Libraries NI over future of Woodstock Library

Concerned library staff have informed Socialist Party campaigner Tommy Black that management have announced plans to close Woodstock Library in East Belfast only weeks after Libraries NI chief executive Irene Knox announced it would “remain open”.

Protest to save our libraries

Written by Jim Rutherdale Friday, 16 April 2010 09:16

A lively demo in front of Belfast City Hall reflected the anger many people feel at the proposed closure of 15 libraries in Belfast. Two young children, under 10, read short speeches saying why they wanted their libraries to stay open!

Opposition to library closures mounts

Written by Kevin Henry Friday, 12 March 2010 12:24

The proposal to close fifteen libraries in the Belfast area has been met with strong opposition. Hazel Gilliland, who has been campaigning against the closures in Ballymacarrett told the The Socialist that, "the proposals would have a devastating effect. There are no facilities left in the community. Children will grow up without local access to books and the elderly will lose an important place to relax and enjoy a good book."

East Belfast Councillor challenged to justify library closures

Written by Tommy Black Monday, 15 February 2010 08:30

Jim Rodgers (Right), the Ulster Unionist Party councillor for East Belfast and a board member of the Northern Ireland Library Authority was today challenged to “publicly justify the closure of local libraries” proposed in a current consultation paper.

Tommy Black, East Belfast Socialist Party representative said “Eleven councillors from the four main political parties are on the board of the Library Authority which is proposing the closure of fifteen libraries throughout Belfast, including six in East Belfast.”

Save our libraries

Written by Tommy Black Thursday, 04 February 2010 12:43

Plans to close 15 libraries across Belfast  – a massive 45% cut in library provision - have been announced by the NI Library Authority. East Belfast will be particularly hit hard with libraries at Ballyhackamore, Tullycarnet, Braniel, Woodstock, Ballymacarrett and Gilnahirk facing closure.