Over 370 library closures are right and justifiable, says boss of MLA.

376 libraries plus 27 mobiles currently under threat or recently closed (List below “News”)
– plus one – Doncaster are closing 14, rather than the previously announced 13.
– some to close in Hull – no change to figure as unsure as to scope.
– plus two – Southampton have recently closed 2.

News
This is from the Times letters page today, from the person in charge of the MLA (the quango with some responsibility for libraries). Due to the paywall, I cannot link directly but I think it presents another side of the argument.

“Sir,
It is untrue that the Libraries Act is being ignored and an exaggeration to claim that “councils are ‘doing a Wirral’ with impunity” (letter, January 3). The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council is aware of proposals for substantial changes to a wide range of local services, including public libraries. The 1964 Act calls for a “comprehensive and efficient” service, so councils are right to rationalise costs and infrastructure while striving to improve delivery.
Closures grab headlines, but can be justified, and new and refurbished libraries are opening, too. In addition to reading books people want libraries to provide digital media and 24/7 access, factors that are certain to drive further change on the high street. Councils invite us to advise them on sustainable strategies; we have expert teams in the field and our website offers case studies, guidance and comparator data.
Libraries are community spaces, free for all to use and vital in many places, so local consultation is essential. Final decisions can only be taken by councillors accountable locally, but under the Act these may be subject to independent scrutiny.
ROY CLARE
Chief Executive Officer, Museums
Libraries & Archives Council”

Unfortunately, the Times missed off his phone number 020 7273 1476 and email address roy.clare@mla.gov.uk (available at http://www.mla.gov.uk/about/who/staff)

Cambridgeshire – Cambridgeshire against the cuts
Croydon – protests at plans to close Norbury – This is Local London
Doncaster – Council confirm 14 libraries to close “”There has been absolutely no public consultation whatsoever.” – The Star (out of 26, and for the bibliographic services unit, archives and schools library service to move to the central library site).
Doncaster Council disgrace – Save Doncaster Libraries
Falkirk – Libraries to be transferred to a trust – BBC News
Gloucestershire – 10000 petition against closures – Cotsworld Journal. Petition covered on BBC Points West (link may not work in your area).
Gloucestershire – this is what a 10000 petition looks like – Flickr
Gloucestershire – thousands force debate – This is Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire and Somerset – petition power – This is Somerset
Hertfordshire – I love my Herts libraries – Facebook
Lancashire – amnesty? – Pendle Today
Merton – volunteers to counter cuts in library opening – Wimbledon Guardian
Milton Keynes – Wot no books? Save Stony Stratford Library – About My Area
North Yorkshire – Andrew Jones MP against the closures – MP website
Richmond – Libraries mat be privatised, or be closed – Richmond and Twickenham Times
Somerset – Interview with library campaigners “if you’re getting rid of a hospital, you’re denying someone’s health: if you deny them a library, you’re denying someone’s knowledge” – BBC Radio Somerset (from 1.47)
Somerset – library consultation at Crewkerne – This is the West Country
Somerset – “don’t shut Highbridge Library” – Burham On Sea.com
Southampton – 2 libraries to close/have closed – Daily Echo
Worcestershire – Pershore library could move out of town – Evesham Observer