SUPPORTERS are writing to the Government in a bid to keep libraries safe.

Will Charlton, from Friends of Northwich Library, is writing to culture minister Ed Vaizey, after Government figures were released that show national library use is in decline.

In the past week, the national press has speculated about the future of libraries, in the light of the recession and cuts in public spending, with suggestions that libraries could move into shops, supermarkets or pubs.

Mr Charlton said he wanted to clarify the position and hoped the Government would realise that services under individual councils were very different.

He said: “I am writing personally to the Minister, seeking clarification of his view of the public benefit of libraries – in terms of further education, lifelong learning and, especially, reading.

“I am seeking his confirmation that local authorities are to make policy on libraries, and so will decide their future – as is inferred by the suggestion, not proposal, that libraries move to supermarkets – and that therefore his duty over public libraries is largely their inspection.

“Inspections will need to differentiate between library authorities, rather than be based on a national, averaged picture, while also publicising bad library authorities – to confirm that a postcode lottery exists for library-users, but to welcome that difference, rather than continue a ‘one size fits all’ solution.

“I am also seeking his confirmation that a fall in the number of library loans should be expected with the arrival, and increased take-up, of the internet, but that individual library authorities are responsible for realising the potential of the internet for libraries and the people they serve.”

Figures released by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) reveal that just 40 per cent of adults have visited a library within the 2009-2010 financial year.

During the 2005-2006 period, this figure was 50 per cent. This is in contrast to the 74.9 per cent of children who have used a library within the past year.

Friends of Northwich Library, formed this year, held an Alice in Wonderland quiz and surveyed shoppers about their library use.

Mr Charlton said: “The event was a success, in that three, or even four times, more new members joined the library above what is usual for a Saturday.

“While a detailed analysis of the survey has yet to be completed, it showed very high levels of satisfaction with Northwich and other libraries, and that libraries need to advertise their wide range of services.”