Do you think you, or the communities you represent and work with, should have to pay to use their local public library? A plea from LIANZA

No? Neither do we. And you can help us to keep public libraries free for everyone.

Many public libraries throughout New Zealand are finding themselves in challenging circumstances, with councils wanting to impose charges on basic services such as book borrowing. These and other cost-saving measures are being proposed at a number of local authorities as the squeeze goes on to reduce costs and increase revenue.
Labour MP Darien Fenton has introduced a Member’s Bill – Local Government (Public Libraries) Amendment Bill into Parliament. This is likely to be up for its first reading on 7^th November. 

If passed, the bill will ensure public libraries are protected by legislation, as they are in countries like Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, and that basic services like book borrowing and internet use are free.

The Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa (LIANZA) is running the Keep Public Libraries Free campaign to lobby Members of Parliament to vote for the Bill, to get it past its first reading and into the Select Committee stage of consultation.
LIANZA is asking for your support because we believe your organisation holds similar core values and interests to us: a commitment to human rights, literacy, and education as well as progression for everyone, regardless of their background or financial situation. Organisations such as yours are uniquely placed in their communities to make people aware of, and to encourage participation in, this campaign. You can help us to make MPs aware of how high levels of public support are for this Bill.

How you can help

Visit the LIANZA website campaign page to find out more – http://www.lianza.org.nz/news-events/keep-public-libraries-free especially the How You Can Help page Like our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/KeepPublicLibrariesFree Email or visit your MP before the 7th November. MPs need to know about the real human impact of library charges – how are you, or would you be, impacted by public library charges? How would people within your community or specific area of interest? Ask your MP to vote in favour of the Local Government (Public Libraries) Amendment Bill when it has its first reading.Use your personal, work and community contacts to encourage as many people and community organisations as possible to do the same.

What is LIANZA?

LIANZA is the professional organisation for the New Zealand library and information management profession. Our membership comprises of professional staff in every library sector including public, tertiary, business, health & medical, law, central government, school and theological libraries.

Public Libraries have huge support in New Zealand with nearly 39 million visits last year. The recent Kiwis Count survey  published by the State Services Commission shows that New Zealanders love their public libraries and are visiting them more often. The survey found generally high levels of satisfaction with public services but none higher than public libraries.

With your help, and that of your community networks, we can make sure that politicians get the message to Keep Public Libraries Free loud and clear!

Many thanks for your support,

Yours sincerely,

Laurinda

Laurinda Thomas

President Elect, LIANZA

Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa

www.lianza.org.nz