With the The ever growing demand for electronic services has not in any way diminished the libraries' obligation to provide a high quality book and periodical service. It should be acknowledged that the library service's responsibilities have doubled and adequate provision should be made . Lunchtime closing has been very unpopular, and there is a big demand for Sunday opening. Libraries in London which are open on Sunday are well-used. Most religious groups consider visiting the library to be a suitable activity for the sabbath.
Closures are certain vote losers.
Where some London boroughs have closed libraries they have left great swathes of territory where the resident communities have no access to libraries. Easy access is essential. We are concerned at the preponderance of cheap and 'popular' fiction and non-fiction on the shelves, the dumbing down of the service. Quantity and number of issues should not be the only criteria when stock is selected. Classics and literary fiction should be available as they once were.