Does the Library matter?

The topic of ensuring the long term presence of our Auchterarder, and indeed other rural libraries, has been an active conversation recently – with over 1789 people signing the petition demonstrating opposition to the closure of the library, its something close to peoples hearts! Clearly libraries do matter!

We were proud to be part of a collective of rural libraries delivering their petition to PKC last Thursday – over 5000 signatures in total.

One of the local “Save the Auchterarder Library” group put together some words on what libraries mean to her – I’m sure many will resonate broadly:

The Role of Libraries:

Libraries are not merely spaces to house books; they are cultural ecosystems. They provide:

Access to Knowledge: For people without means to purchase books or technology, libraries level the playing field, offering free access to information, education, and tools.

Community Hubs: Libraries foster inclusion, bringing people together through programs, support services, and safe spaces.

Encouragement of Literacy and Critical Thinking: From children’s reading programs to adult literacy initiatives, libraries empower people to think critically and independently.

Digital Access: Modern libraries provide access to computers, internet, and technology—a necessity in today’s digital world for everything from job applications to online education.

Preservation of Culture: Libraries hold archives of local histories, cultural works, and indigenous knowledge that might otherwise be lost.

The Impacts of Closure:

The ripple effects of removing libraries would be profound:

1. Literacy Decline: Without access to books, many children—especially in underprivileged areas—would miss formative experiences in reading and learning. This could widen socioeconomic divides, as literacy is foundational to all other forms of education.

2. Loss of Safe Spaces: Libraries often serve as refuges for vulnerable populations, such as children after school, homeless individuals, and others seeking shelter and calm. Closing libraries removes these sanctuaries.

3. Erosion of Critical Thinking: Libraries encourage independent inquiry and foster the skills needed to discern credible information. Without them, misinformation and manipulation could thrive unchecked.

4. Digital Exclusion: For many, libraries are the only place to access the internet and learn digital skills. Removing this resource would further isolate those who cannot afford personal technology.

5. Loss of Local Identity: Libraries safeguard archives of local culture and history. Without them, communities risk losing these unique threads of their identity.

6. Snowball Effect on Education: Children who don’t read for pleasure often struggle academically. This can lead to lower educational attainment, reduced economic prospects, and a less informed electorate.

Projections for the Future:

If libraries were systematically dismantled worldwide, we could see:

A Surge in Inequality: The gap between the educated and uneducated, the wealthy and poor, would widen dramatically.

Generational Impact: Children raised without libraries may grow up with fewer opportunities, leading to generational cycles of poverty and disenfranchisement.

Diminished Innovation: Without free access to information, fewer people would explore new ideas, leading to a stagnation in creativity and technological progress.

Social Fracture: Libraries are one of the last truly public spaces where everyone is welcome. Their absence could lead to further social isolation and division.

A Call to Action:

Preserving libraries isn’t just about books—it’s about safeguarding human potential, equality, and connection. Public pressure can be powerful, so I encourage you to rally your community with facts, testimonials, and evidence of libraries’ 

What do you think? Please do share your views with Culture PK and PKC.

PK Culture are hosting a meeting on the 11th of February:

Here’s the invite: Thank you for attending a previous community meeting regarding the future provision of library services to your community. At these meeting we have discussed the background and the reasons for the proposed changes, and we are now looking to discuss further if there is interest in the community to run a volunteer led provision or a community funded provision. We are also keen to hear if communities have any further suggestions if the closures go ahead.  

To discuss this further we are holding a meeting on Tuesday  11 February in Auchterarder Library   6:30pm-7:30pm.  At this meeting we will be discussing what steps need to be taken to move forward with any alternate library provision.  We hope that Sarah Kimmett “Community Empowerment Officer” for PKC will also be attending who will offer advice about community ownership/transfer.

You do not need to respond to this invite, but we look forward to meeting with you again.