Some libraries in the Northeast are getting more uncomfortable because of energy costs. Municipalities save. But that’s the wrong approach, says the library association. Information is more important than ever.
Neubrandenburg/Schwaan (dpa/mv) – The increased energy costs are causing some of the MV libraries to have cooler rooms and shorter opening times. This was the result of a survey by the state association of libraries in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, as the chairman of the association, Neubrandenburg’s mayor Silvio Witt (non-party), told the German Press Agency. Out of 51 institutions, 21 libraries indicated that energy and cost issues are already having an impact.
Lighting is dimmed down, material costs and the few remaining employees are reduced in hours. However, investments are necessary in order to renew the media and book inventory and to improve the attractiveness of the reading rooms. And only from a renewal rate of ten percent can a house participate in the country’s digital “Onleihe”.
Saving on libraries is the wrong way for municipalities, explained Witt with a view to the growing digital information society. “These facilities are one of the few commercial spaces in inner cities.” The chairman of the association pointed out that a library in Strasburg (Vorpommern-Greifswald) is to be closed and that it will be discussed in Grimmen and Grabow. “Anyone who closes a library today has done something wrong,” said Witt.
The way must be to increase the attractiveness of the libraries and thus also of the inner cities. This is shown, among other things, by the example of Schwaan (Rostock district), where this facility was attached to a school together with a multi-generational facility with event rooms. The Schwaaner received the “Library of the Year 2022” award for this.
The state association represents around 70 municipal and academic libraries in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Witt had been re-elected unopposed as chairman at the last state association conference in Neubrandenburg.
