Reading into the libraries makeover

摘要

World Book Day today is a good time to reflect on the state of local authority library provision. Over recent years, libraries have been in something of a panic about their role, as visits are down 17% and book loans by 25%. But we're now confidently assured that all that is changing, and libraries are being given a makeover and new lease of life. Hurrah, at last, a serious commitment to public libraries. But hold on to those champagne corks -it's not quite as straightforward as that.