A Freedom of Information request has revealed millions of pounds has been cut from library budgets of Northern councils in the last five years. 

The Northern Echo report:

In 2011/12, councils in the North-East and North Yorkshire spent £3.7m on new and replacement books – down £2m on 2007/08 when authorities spent £5.7m.

Author and library campaigner Mike Pannett, from Ryedale, North Yorkshire, last night said it was vital library stocks were kept up to date.

“There should be a good choice – if we start to cut down back on the choice of books we’re depriving people of a valuable resource.

“Library books are so import for education and for recreation, particularly at a time when some people are struggling and can’t afford expensive new books or Kindles.”

You can read the full story here. 

I am a journalist and author. I am a journalist at the UK edition of WIRED magazine. In 2015, my first book Freedom of Information: A Practical Guide for UK Journalists, was published. My second book Reed Hastings: Building Netflix, was published in March 2020. I created FOI Directory in 2012 and have maintained it in my spare time ever since.