Library service for vulnerable populations is crucial

The headteacher of a Shropshire primary school has emphasized the importance of a county-wide school library service that may be shut down, describing it as a "vital resource" for children in rural areas. Tom Plim of Highley Primary School highlighted the extensive collection of books, educational materials, and DVDs, calling it an indispensable teaching tool.

"It provides access to books, expertise, and learning opportunities for children who might otherwise miss out, and if it disappears, the children will be the ones who suffer," said Mr. Plim.

Shropshire Council has proposed that the library service, which has been operating at a deficit since 2022, should either be managed by an external organisation or be discontinued. The council, governed by the Liberal Democrats, declared a financial emergency in September and is under pressure to identify savings by the end of March. The authority stated that it is not legally required to run the service and lacks reserves to cover ongoing losses.

"For rural communities like Highley, this library service is a lifeline," said Mr. Plim, who has been at Highley Primary for nearly eight years. "While we have a small local library, many other rural areas in Shropshire do not, and this service helps fill that gap."

The collection includes more than 250,000 items and was reorganized last year by the previous Conservative administration after an earlier attempt to close it met with strong opposition from teachers and parents. Political opposition, including the Liberal Democrats, also resisted that closure.

The service was scheduled for a relaunch in January 2025 with a revised pricing structure, yet it has experienced a further drop in orders. A council report expected to be reviewed on Wednesday indicates that the service could end the financial year with a deficit of up to 90,000.

The council is now advised to engage with external organisations, such as multi-academy trusts or local councils, to explore potential partners to continue running the service. Should no interest arise, the library service is likely to close. In that case, the collection would be offered to Shropshire schools to support the government initiative to provide onsite libraries in all primary schools by 2029.

Author: Sophia Brooks