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British Culture Secretary Opposes
Plan to Close Libraries

In written warnings to six local library councils, British Culture Secretary Chris Smith has asserted that planned cuts in library service to save money are “simply not acceptable.”

Calling public libraries “street-corner universities,” Smith said there was no justification for cuts “at a time when the government has provided the best local authority financial settlement for seven years.” According to BBC News online February 19, the secretary has also written to 15 other authorities asking them to “review their thoughts.”

Library Association Chief Executive Ross Shimmon hailed the move as “a refreshing commitment by government to developing high-quality public library service fit for the 21st century.”

Posted March 1, 1999.

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