MP Michael Gove totally misses the point

I know, completely shocking that an MP just doesn’t get it but… suggesting all students should read 50 books per year, and that authors should recommend those 50? Which authors? How to choose? Differentiated appropriately? The fabulous Bali Rai explains it all far better than me here Leave it to the experts Mr Gove. I agree with everything so shan’t attempt to repeat.
I did write a lovely little letter to said Mr G however, I shall include it now…  Wonder if I’ll get a reply?  Want to write yourself? – govem@parliament.uk

Dear Mr Gove,

I admire this sentiment, which I am sure is aspirational and not a directive, I wonder if you are aware of the impossibility of this happening in reality.

1. You cannot have missed the facts that over 520 public libraries are under threat of closure as a direct consequence of the swingeing and too fast cuts being forced upon local governments. Further information can be found here http://alangibbons.net   and here http://www.voicesforthelibrary.org.uk/wordpress
2. I am sure you are also aware that the provision of school libraries is non-statutory and patchy at best. The vast majority are not run by professionally qualified and/or experienced dedicated Library staff, some schools have no library at all. For best practise against dire financial provision and lack of curriculum time see http://heartoftheschool.edublogs.org 

With these facts in mind I trust that you will join in the fights for exemplary library provision in both the public service sphere and schools, and thus your challenge to students may become a practical reality.

Yours sincerely,

Lynne Coppendale BA(Hons), DipIS, MCLIP,
Professional School Librarian, South Yorkshire.
Save Doncaster Libraries Campaigner.

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