In the cold early morning, staff and supporters set of in their ‘battle bus’ with the intention of driving around to the libraries under threat from closure, unfortunately much like many policies that have taken place in the council, half way around the bus broke down.

The Government has described libraries as “one of the great achievements of the 19th century innovators and patrons. They can provide access for all. They are loved and used by millions of people today. They are our street corner Universities”.

Indeed, in April this year the government introduced national public library standards, which included: the location of libraries, convenient and suitable access, adequate opening times and efforts to encourage the use of libraries. They also stated “local authorities should adopt strategies which would result in continuous improvements”. One might think therefore with the government showing such a positive outlook on this vital service that the council is yet again neglecting its duty. In part this is true, as priorities in spending have been severely criticised by the public in the past such as the £15 million invested in the controversial music venue the Ocean. This trendy nightspot took over the building where the busiest library in Hackney once stood. The library now occupies two portacabins further down the road. Although these extreme measures have been taken by the council to put the blame totally on them is to overlook the massive pressure applied by central government.

Much of the problem the council faces is the debt accrued in the past, due to fraud, corruption and mismanagement and recently the government all but took over the authority and issued directives to the council with a demand to save £50 million in cuts. Stephen Byers the Secretary of state said, “ the package of measures the government has announced is designed to protect and improve the key services”. However it is these very same key services, which are now disappearing from the map as the cuts sweep through resulting in nurseries, community groups, legal centres and libraries facing closure on a massive scale.

According to the Mare Street Unison shop steward Gary Chaplain, the public have been sympathetic; “We’ve had complete support from the public…the old, disabled and children will be hit the worst”. Labour MP Diane Abbot has also spoken out against the cuts saying “If the libraries close people may have to take two buses to get to the (remaining) library”. She further added, “Libraries are not just about leisure, they are about life long learning…Hackney has made some terrible cuts in recent months, but a young mind is too precious a thing to waste and it is the future of Hackney’s young people at stake”.

This is the second round of attacks on libraries, which has already seen the Mobile library become immobile and Adrian Whittle the former head of libraries in the borough resigned in October saying "I am not prepared to sell these cuts to the public", he has yet to be replaced. Should these cuts go ahead it will make Hackney the worst provider of library services in the country.

Unison has called a lobby meeting on Wednesday the 28th November. To particioate Write to Hackney Unison, 3rd floor, Netil house 1-7 Westgate Street E8 or to join e-mail list send a message to  rsunison@unisonfree.net