Responding to today's announcement on spending cuts and the suspension of the Library Modernisation Programme, MLA Chief Executive Roy Clare said:
"The spending climate is no secret; today's suspension of some costly aspects of the last government's plans for modernisation is not unexpected.
"That does not mean that work to improve library services is suspended - far from it. Public library services remain vital to people and local communities.
"Among the many benefits of public libraries is that they offer internet access. The MLA recognises as ‘good practice' the many councils in England that provide at least the first 30 minutes' internet access free of charge. We encourage all local authorities to match the best.
"The MLA recognises the primacy of the consumer and aims to support local government in meeting the expectations of people of all ages and backgrounds. Our approach is set out in our prospectus Sharper Investment for Changing Times. We are working with the Local Government Association and others to develop new initiatives to support improvement.
"Some 15 million people have no access to the internet at home, so the neighbourhood public library fills a huge void, liberating people, especially the disadvantaged, through access to reading. Popular local choice is that books and internet resources should continue to be provided free at the point of use. We will continue to help councils to find sharper ways of investing to achieve this service especially in times of severe restraint."
ENDS