What's the point of the public library?

Quentin Letts of the Daily Mail presented this programme on Radio 4 this week, giving his view on the future of public libraries.

I've just listened to it and found it a little infuriating, particularly his idea that libraries have become politicised and only stock Erica Jong books instead of good old Arthur Bryant. It didn't sound as if he'd spent much time in a real library recently.

However, quite  a few interesting websites and organisations were mentioned and I list them here to help me remember and in case anyone else is interested:

• The Poetry Archive: www.poetryarchive.org
• Moss Side Powerhouse Library - only open to 8-25 year-olds 
• Society of Chief Librarians
• Campaign for the Book 
• A report by KPMG into the future of public services including libraries

Perhaps a perfect answer to Mr Letts's questions about libraries was to be found in my local library today. We went and watched a beautiful shadow puppet show as part of the E17 Art Trail (which continues all next week). It was heavenly to sit for half an hour surrounded by children and mums and dads, and see them all carefully watching and smiling as the simple story unfolded. As it finished, children went off to choose books and parents stood around chatting. A lovely shared moment in a busy week.