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Sunday, May 15, 2011

Coalition branded anti-book by publishing industry magazine The Bookseller with library and arts funding cuts (UK)

Coalition branded anti-book by publishing industry magazine The Bookseller with library and arts funding cutsCuts forcing library closures show the Tory-led Coalition is "anti-book", critics claim. The publishing industry bible The Bookseller said the closures, tuition fee increases and arts funding cuts were a "horrible contrast" with Labour's record. It added: "Gordon Brown was the most bibliophile leader since Churchill, while Blair was no slouch with the pen himself. "Up to a third of the nation"s libraries are to shut, at an unprecedented rate. The thrust of this Government is clear and it is anti-book." Shadow Arts Minister Gloria de Piero (pictured left) said: "Councils of all colours told me the only reason they are reducing library services is because of Government cuts. "They are a disaster for those not on the internet at home who want to get back into work. And many mums tell me libraries are vital." The PM's spokesman said: "We are not anti-book."

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