Campaigners say hundreds of libraries could close

The Library Campaign charity has warned that hundreds of libraries across the UK could be closed amid the economic devastation wrought by coronavirus.

773 libraries have been shut down in the last decade, but campaigners believe that this figure may pale in comparison with what could happen following the coronavirus pandemic.

Libraries Connected, which represents the sector, recently released figures showing that footfall at sites across the UK was currently just 15 per cent compared to this time last year.

Although no closures have yet been announced, many have yet to reopen, and librarians are said to believe it is only a matter of time amid ever-increasing signs that local councils are facing an unprecedented financial crisis. Without government intervention, campaigners say that authorities are likely to have to reduce services to those that are legally required only.

Such action would almost certainly hit the country's most deprived communities the hardest, defeating the purpose of the government’s ‘levelling up’ agenda.

Speaking to The Independent, Laura Swaffield, chair of the Library Campaign charity, said: “Councils are going to be cutting anything they can lay their hands on because the situation is so severe. And in these situations, we know from years of experience, they come for libraries because they are seen as an easy target. The numbers lost are not going to be good."