Labour Party - Electorate News

Council cutting library funding, huge disappointment

04.09.2008

Auckland Central MP Judith Tizard said that moves by Citizens & Ratepayers city councillors to slash mobile library services and to cut library funding in general were utterly disappointing.

"I am gob smacked," said Judith Tizard. "The council must provide every citizen with access to these types of fundamental services.

"The mobile library is a fundamental service for those who cannot otherwise access the hub of knowledge that is held in libraries.

"We're talking about the elderly who cannot access, and kids that can't afford to buy, books.

"Does the council want to ride the knowledge wave or keep these kids in the dark ages?

"People of all ages use the important educational services that library services provide.

"This is precisely the kind of service the council should be funding, not cutting.

"Central government recognises this and is investing $69 million in revitalising the National Library because we understand the importance of having a knowledge economy.

"Right wing councils have tried to cut mobile library services before but public pressure forced them to back down, as was the case in 2003.

"I encourage Auckland City residents to let the council know just what they think of these harmful revelations.

"Citizens & Ratepayers councillors need to get their priorities straight," said Judith Tizard.