Volunteer Efforts Keep Sheffield Libraries Alive

A letter to the Sheffield Telegraph and Star

Dear Editor

Paige Turner (Sheffield Telegraph 26.2.26) is very good at making up pseudonyms, but they need to recognise who their friends are.

My article was not about libraries, but I was very pleased to mention the excellent service I had had from Sheffield Library. This is despite the appalling cuts they have faced throughout the austerity years of the Conservative Government and now the “little change” Labour Government.  The remaining paid staff and the wonderful army of volunteers do a terrific job keeping our libraries running, and they deserve our praise. Of course, it would be far better if they were all paid staff, but under current budgetary constraints, this is just not possible. The Green Party are keen to change this by taxing the rich and corporations more, so we can rebuild all our public services, including the libraries. 

Back in 2013, when Labour were in charge of the Council, I helped found the campaign to Save Park Library, my local library. We wanted to keep the paid staff there, but we lost the battle. However, many residents stepped up to volunteer to run the library, which is why it is still serving the area today.

My vision of a good library is much more than a book lender. I’d like to see libraries of things, where you don’t just borrow books or music, but tools to help with DIY, an instrument to have a go at making music or some artwork to put on the wall. Libraries should be places where skills are shared, local groups meet, and you can have a good natter with your neighbours over a cup of coffee. 

Paige Turner is completely wrong in saying I am in a position to influence Council policy directly. I am not a Councillor, and nor am I on any elected committee in the Green Party. But I do know that the Green Councillors are doing all they can to ensure our libraries are as good as they can be, and if funds become available, they will try to ensure the Council spends them wisely.

Graham Wroe

Paige Turner’s letter in the Sheffield Telegraph