National Libraries Day, 4th February
Posted by Kate Green, MP for Stretford and Urmston, at 10:00, Fri 3 February 2012:
This weekend marks National Libraries Day. I'm an avid reader, and I love libraries, so I think it should be something to celebrate.
I was really delighted to make a visit to Seymour Park community school last week to see the new library there. It's a stunning design, with comfy chairs and sofas scattered about, and there's also an outside reading area for the summer.
It just made me want to curl up with a book.
But our libraries are under threat from Tory cuts. In Old Trafford, there's already a campaign to protect library staff. Just last month, government ministers assured me they understand why it's important to have qualified professional staff in our libraries. Trained librarians know how to get people reading, they can help people for whom English isn't a first language, they can help develop literacy skills: they do a really important job.
So I hope the government's also celebrating National Libraries Day - by helping to protect our libraries.
In London this week, I was very pleased to be invited to address Women's Aid annual conference. The charity manages refuges and provides services to women fleeing domestic violence right across the country. But they too are reporting financial pressures on services.
Cuts of over 30% in local authority budgets mean that refuges have had to turn thousands of women away for lack of space. And we know that when unemployment's high and families are feeling the squeeze, domestic violence rises. So it's a worrying picture.
Labour's conducting our own inquiry into this, and I'd invite anyone who'd like to contribute information or views about women's safety to go onto our website www.fresh-ideas.org.uk/safetyconsultation to do so. We're gathering evidence and will be producing a report at the beginning of March.
I was also delighted to welcome the Reporters' Academy to parliament this week. This programme runs from premises at Old Trafford cricket club, giving young people the chance to develop all the skills needed in the modern media.
Very excitingly, the Reporters' Academy have been given official media accreditation for the Olympics this summer, and will be reporting first hand on Olympic events. Some of the programme participants came to parliament to meet the head of education for the Olympics to discuss how we could make the most of this thrilling opportunity.
Back at home, I was very sorry to hear that Trafford Wheelers have had their specially adapted minibus stolen while it was parked overnight in Stretford. This wonderful organisation, based at Longford stadium, offers cycling activities to severely disabled people, and had been due to take a group of disabled children on a cycling holiday in a couple of weeks.
Without a suitable vehicle, they won't be able to go. We're desperately trying to find out if anyone can lend the Wheelers a replacement, but it's difficult to get something so specialised.
I'm really disgusted that anyone could steal a vehicle that's been designed to meet the needs of disabled people. If you know anything about the theft, or think you could help the Wheelers organise transport, please get in touch with my office.
Best wishes
Kate
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