I came across this article in the Guardian the other day and wasn't too happy about it. Lots of people have commented. There's this in the Guardian and this in the Telegraph.
I suspect at least some of this is the Guardian's recent penchant for publishing controversial or unpopular opinions and subsequently publishing counter arguments in an effort to gain traffic. Still, they didn't make up Deary's comments, even if they did sensationalise them.
For some context: in the UK a lot of local libraries are being closed down due to lack of funding - local councils have limited funding and are responsible for, as well as libraries, local roads, rubbish and recycling collection, drains, cleaning and maintaining public buildings and parks, and so on. Libraries are considered least important, being as they are used by the fewest people and not a health, safety or hygiene concern, and are being cut the most brutally.
I've blogged about it but would be interested to hear other opinions - especially since a lot of people here aren't UK based and can thus offer a different perspective based on their own, different experiences with public libraries.
I suspect at least some of this is the Guardian's recent penchant for publishing controversial or unpopular opinions and subsequently publishing counter arguments in an effort to gain traffic. Still, they didn't make up Deary's comments, even if they did sensationalise them.
For some context: in the UK a lot of local libraries are being closed down due to lack of funding - local councils have limited funding and are responsible for, as well as libraries, local roads, rubbish and recycling collection, drains, cleaning and maintaining public buildings and parks, and so on. Libraries are considered least important, being as they are used by the fewest people and not a health, safety or hygiene concern, and are being cut the most brutally.
I've blogged about it but would be interested to hear other opinions - especially since a lot of people here aren't UK based and can thus offer a different perspective based on their own, different experiences with public libraries.