Backlash grows against unstaffed libraries
(The Guardian Books News)

Use of keycards and self-service scanners cannot replace librarians, say campaignersHarriet Connides hasn´t been to her local library in north London´s East Finchley for months. She used to go every few days, often with her young daughter, but now it is staffed for only 16 hours a week and Connides, who has severe mobility problems, is uncomfortable being in there alone. `I don´t feel safe here any more. If I fall, I don´t know what would happen,` she says.The disabled toilets are also closed during unstaffed hours. `It´s another avenue cut off from someone who already has a lot of avenues cut off,` says Connides. Continue reading...