A CAMPAIGN group is calling on Coventry council and parliamentary candidates to publically pledge their support for the future of the city’s libraries.
Campaigners from ‘Save Coventry Libraries’ have invited candidates to take part in the ‘Library Pledge’ at the Godiva Statue this Saturday (April 25) – promising to never vote for a reduction in Coventry library services.
Candidates who have agreed to attend the pledge event include Dave Nellist, Nicky Downes, Sarah Smith and Dan Crowter representing Trade Unionist and Social Coalition party (TUSC); Matthew Handley and Ben Gallaher for the Green Party; and Conservative parliamentary candidate Parvez Akhtar.
But, Conservative Ken Taylor and Labour hopefuls Colleen Fletcher, David Kershaw, David Skinner, Ann Lucas, Dave Chater and Ram Lakha have responded without committing themselves to the pledge and are not able to attend Saturday’s event.
Speaking about the pledge, Keresley resident and campaigner, Rachel Gering-Hasthorpe, said: “We are hoping lots of people will come along to show the candidates how much we care about keeping our libraries open and flourishing.
“Libraries are amazing places and we need them more in a recession than ever.”
The pledge which the candidates would promise to support reads: “I pledge that I will never vote to reduce Coventry library provision.
“Libraries must: stay open (with no reduction in hours), staffed by professional librarians, council-run and free for all to enjoy.”
The campaigners and candidates will be unveiling the ‘Library Pledge’ in Broadgate on Saturday, April 25 at 11.30am.
More information on the Campaign can be found on Facebook under ‘Save Coventry Libraries’ and on Twitter, via the handle @library_save
