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Friday, 20 May 2011


Schoolgirl asks David Cameron to save our libraries

Schoolgirl asks David Cameron to save our libraries

A SCHOOLGIRL has asked the Prime Minister for a meeting. If you agree with her, sign her petition at www.firstnews.co.uk/saveourlibraries.

First News reader, Jessica Trueman, 9, wants to ask David Cameron what he’s going to do to stop libraries being closed down across the country. 

 

Signs

If you agree with Jessica and want your voice to be heard, you can add your name to her petition at: www.firstnews.co.uk/saveourlibraries.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Jessica said: “I love my library and I am not letting you and the council shut it down. I am going to fight for our library! I would like a meeting with you to discuss our problem – whatever time you can do.”

But Jessica told First News that Mr Cameron was “too busy to help” and one of his people told her to try writing to one of his Government Ministers, Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

So Jessica wrote to Mr Hunt: “Books are special. You can read amazing stories and learn about history and different places in the world. I use two libraries to help me with my homework and both are being shut down. I hope you understand that you are making a big mistake. I won’t let this drop so please sort it out.”

Jessica wasn’t happy with the answer she got from Mr Hunt’s department either. They told her to write to her local council. At that, the determined schoolgirl decided to get in touch with her newspaper, First News.

 

Signs

If you agree with Jessica and want your voice to be heard, you can add your name to her petition at: www.firstnews.co.uk/saveourlibraries.

When we said First News would take up her story she said: “At last! Someone’s listening.” She went on: “I am really angry about this. If libraries close, where can we go to get books? Not everyone can afford to go and buy them. No-one is listening to children’s views.”

Jessica said her next plan is to stage a “sleep-in” protest at her local library with her sister and friends so it couldn’t even close for the night, let alone for good.

Local councils have had their funding cut by the Government which means they don’t have as much money to spend on services. They say something has to go and libraries are being closed up and down the country.

A Government spokesperson told First News: “We agree that libraries are wonderful places. They help people to become better readers and can also keep them healthy and well. As well as books libraries also provide other things such as internet access, and libraries are great places for families to go to together to hear stories, choose books or join in Rhymetimes.

“Local councils, who provide library services, must make sure that the services they provide are designed around the needs of the people in the community. This doesn’t mean that local councils cannot close libraries. But it is very important that each council understands what people who live in their area want and need. The Secretary of State, Jeremy Hunt, is carefully considering councils’ plans for their library services in England and will then decide whether he needs to take any action.”

Jessica has collected signatures from 80 children in her school saying: “We do not want our libraries to close.” She wants children all over the UK to give the Government the same message “so that they have to listen”.

If you agree with Jessica and want your voice to be heard, you can add your name to her petition at: www.firstnews.co.uk/saveourlibraries.





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  • redhorse10 (Age 14) wrote on Friday, 11 February 2011 @ 13:58

    I read this in the paper. I think that it's just a LITTLE bit over the top asking to meet him - fair enough she likes her library but she could just start a petition or write a letter like she eventually did. :)

  • Minihay123 (Age 12) wrote on Friday, 11 February 2011 @ 17:25

    I agree with Jessica and I want her to keep fighting to what she belives in! The Prime Minister should not let this happen.

  • 6beth6 (Age 11) wrote on Friday, 11 February 2011 @ 18:04

    This is EXACTLY what I would do if I had the guts

  • missmonkey (Age 14) wrote on Friday, 11 February 2011 @ 20:07

    how do yo get the animations????? x

  • Simo (Age 13) wrote on Friday, 11 February 2011 @ 21:08

    I agree with Jessica, I totally wish the Goverement would act!!!!!! He's wanting people to read more, ... but closing Library down won't help

  • sneha (Age 12) wrote on Friday, 11 February 2011 @ 21:09

    I think Jessica is very brave in being able to stand up in front of the whole country!

  • maddy13 (Age 9) wrote on Saturday, 12 February 2011 @ 08:38

    I think what you are doing is really good!

  • Simo (Age 13) wrote on Saturday, 12 February 2011 @ 10:16

    Keep going Jessica!!!!!

  • maddy13 (Age 9) wrote on Saturday, 12 February 2011 @ 12:37

    well done i love books thank you for doing all you can keep it up

  • bubbleszoo (Age 12) wrote on Saturday, 12 February 2011 @ 17:42

    Go for it girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • sooty122 (Age 12) wrote on Saturday, 12 February 2011 @ 17:45

    I agree withher. It is wrong to close down libraries!!!

  • PeaceLove (Age 12) wrote on Saturday, 12 February 2011 @ 18:24

    I don't exactly agree with you Red. I agree with Minihay123, if she really wanted to have a library then she should have kept fighting for it! Go JessicA! :)

  • sumaiyah_1 (Age 11) wrote on Saturday, 12 February 2011 @ 19:32

    Wow! I wish i could do that if i was brave enough.

  • redhorse10 (Age 14) wrote on Sunday, 13 February 2011 @ 12:54

    I wouldn't have done that; I would have simply written a letter or something... I don't know! :)

  • scoobs5601 (Age 11) wrote on Sunday, 13 February 2011 @ 13:31

    Jessica I think you are absolutely right! Why should the government have the rights to wipe out everyhting we love? I support you every step of the way in what you are doing!

  • Jake1217 (Age 15) wrote on Sunday, 13 February 2011 @ 13:54

    I love libraries, If mine shuts down I'm fighting with her! Anyone know where she is now?

  • elise1 (Age 10) wrote on Monday, 14 February 2011 @ 19:28

    i am with Jessica there,in summer we go there loads ! I agree with Jake1217 , i will fight .:-)

  • rhianna9 (Age 10) wrote on Tuesday, 15 February 2011 @ 17:58

    Keep going you can do it Jessica

  • Ellsybub (Age 10) wrote on Wednesday, 16 February 2011 @ 17:35

    Keep going Jessica I loave books!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • D-amazing (Age 12) wrote on Thursday, 17 February 2011 @ 16:38

    I think that Jessica is a brave girl who just want to put a point across- "I'm with you!" hopefully something good will come out of this. WELL DONE! Anyway people need books there are loads of advantages.

  • funnybest1 (Age 11) wrote on Thursday, 17 February 2011 @ 18:56

    I love booksssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

  • cinderella (Age 12) wrote on Saturday, 19 February 2011 @ 09:38

    I don't think that the Government hav the right to do this to librarys. I love reading books and can't part from them. My own book shelf has turned into a mini libarary for my younger sister!!!!! Keep going Jessica, I am right behind you!!

  • tWinks21 (Age 11) wrote on Saturday, 19 February 2011 @ 09:54

    Keep Going books are the best well i think so

  • puppy8 (Age 12) wrote on Saturday, 19 February 2011 @ 15:05

    go jessica !!!

  • purplepony (Age 9) wrote on Saturday, 19 February 2011 @ 19:41

    I agree with Jessica because libraries are good for reading books at home without having to buy them. Also, it means alot if it's your local and favourite one.It is important to support reading and books.Save our libraries!!!

  • Edd12345 (Age 13) wrote on Monday, 21 February 2011 @ 11:10

    I agree with Jessica, people encourage us to read. Not as many people are going to read if you have to pay for the books. I also believe you should fight for what's right (with in reason!)

  • ollie12 (Age 9) wrote on Monday, 21 February 2011 @ 18:00

    She is very brave to to THAT!

  • Boo890 (Age 13) wrote on Tuesday, 22 February 2011 @ 16:27

    I agree with Jessica, not everyone can go out and buy a book, they can't just shut the librarys down! She's really brave! BOO890

  • rhianna9 (Age 10) wrote on Saturday, 26 February 2011 @ 14:50

    goooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • sunny10 (Age 11) wrote on Sunday, 27 February 2011 @ 18:59

    I luuv reading and i visit library evry week so i agree with the little girl

  • Mirri04 (Age 13) wrote on Friday, 4 March 2011 @ 21:38

    I wouldn't have,at first,written a letter straight to the Prime Minister,as that is a bit too drastic.It's great that she is passionate about ther library and fantastic that she is doing something about it- but she should have complained to her local council or the newspapers first.Good going for Jessica though!

  • PeaceLove (Age 12) wrote on Saturday, 5 March 2011 @ 12:07

    In fact now I agree with Mirri! :)

  • Ellie-mo (Age 13) wrote on Sunday, 6 March 2011 @ 11:59

    Good going!!! I love my library and I would hate it if it was closed down!!!

  • pinkbloss (Age 12) wrote on Sunday, 6 March 2011 @ 12:54

    I love reading books

  • eproct1 (Age 10) wrote on Monday, 7 March 2011 @ 17:31

    I totally agree with Jessica its unfair if libarys were closed down but its just something we will have to deal with if its our only option but I would prefer it if libarys could stay because I love reading books ! :)

  • peace111 (Age 12) wrote on Wednesday, 9 March 2011 @ 21:25

    i think that u r soooooo righttt. keep fighting tilllll u get wat u wanttttttt. booooooooks r cooooool. im sooooo gladdd that myyyyyyyyy library is closing downnnnnnn!!!! LOL

  • flutter (Age 12) wrote on Thursday, 10 March 2011 @ 19:32

    Go for it Jessica. We love libraries!

  • lizalaura (Age 11) wrote on Saturday, 12 March 2011 @ 08:55

    keep at it jess

  • loxy123 (Age 12) wrote on Saturday, 12 March 2011 @ 15:32

    I love libraries and i am thankful to Jessica for being and brave and standing up to the prime minister.

  • puppy8 (Age 12) wrote on Sunday, 13 March 2011 @ 18:28

    :0D

  • fizzy21 (Age 11) wrote on Thursday, 17 March 2011 @ 19:01

    Jessica should keep going and fight for what's right! I really like my local libary so Jessica's local libary shouldn't close!!! Keep going Jessica! Your doing well!!

  • minxymoo (Age 13) wrote on Friday, 18 March 2011 @ 20:07

    i think that the government should ask the council what the people want closed down because say they close down a local library that everyone uses then they keep a play group going that only 5 people attend and no one likes. then i wouldn't be a waste and people and the government are happy :)

  • AmzL (Age 14) wrote on Saturday, 19 March 2011 @ 15:31

    Libraries should definitely still be kept up and running books give people intelligence and with less books people are going to stop reading. People wont have that thrill of opening a book and escaping into another world. Libraries should definitely be kept open!

  • Mop (Age 12) wrote on Monday, 21 March 2011 @ 20:23

    i agree with Jessica

  • sillyglue (Age 11) wrote on Tuesday, 22 March 2011 @ 19:27

    i think it s good and keep on going on Jessica and libaries are a big help

  • mooseylucy (Age 9) wrote on Monday, 28 March 2011 @ 07:16

    What a brave girl Jessica is standing up for the whole country

  • cookie360 (Age 12) wrote on Monday, 28 March 2011 @ 07:40

    Hi which library are you talking about because the library i visit has a 1 in 4 chance of closing now.

  • flutter (Age 12) wrote on Monday, 28 March 2011 @ 09:42

    Go Jess! I use the library for my homework. What would I do without it?

  • 17cats (Age 13) wrote on Tuesday, 29 March 2011 @ 19:38

    i agree!!!!! i love reading

  • cam4000 (Age 8) wrote on Sunday, 3 April 2011 @ 14:42

    GO FOR IT!!!!!!!!!! BUT I AM NOT GOING(UNLESS I AM TOLD) TO THE ANY LIBRARIES

  • Cat44 (Age 14) wrote on Monday, 11 April 2011 @ 20:26

    wooo libaries rock

  • MSTREric (Age 8) wrote on Friday, 15 April 2011 @ 20:58

    I agree with both !

  • redhorse10 (Age 14) wrote on Thursday, 21 April 2011 @ 11:58

    PeaceLove, what Mirri said is what I was saying! I agree completely with her, writing to David Cameron is completely drastic, so talking to the council first would be more sensible, or maybe she could discuss it with her parents and teachers before doing anything. :0)

  • IA555 (Age 10) wrote on Friday, 29 April 2011 @ 14:53

    GO ON JESSICA!! I agree with u why should the library close??? And OMG u are so brave and have the guts to do something!!!

  • Dollyhi (Age 13) wrote on Friday, 29 April 2011 @ 16:29

    I know her she is my sisters best-friends sister. She is really nice. I love books!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • funnybest1 (Age 11) wrote on Sunday, 1 May 2011 @ 19:18

    I neeeeeeeeeeeeeed the libralyyyyyy

  • xsnowdropx (Age 12) wrote on Wednesday, 4 May 2011 @ 17:54

    Thanks Jessica.We need more people like that.COME ON!!!!

  • RainbowRae (Age 11) wrote on Friday, 6 May 2011 @ 20:19

    I agree with Jessica go Jesica

  • haselnusse (Age 14) wrote on Saturday, 7 May 2011 @ 20:39

    go on Jessica you are speaking for all of us first news readers! Keep on going and you will always reach your goal

  • soso (Age 11) wrote on Sunday, 8 May 2011 @ 15:38

    She is right to complain about it. I would hate it if my local library closes down. I don't go to any library because my parents buy me books; but I completely understand how important it must be for people to loose their library. If you cannot buy books or afford a computer a library is a great place to go.They are also great for studying at.

  • mariaspot1 (Age 11) wrote on Sunday, 15 May 2011 @ 12:18

    If their library closes it really won't be fair. Because maybe children's parents can't afford to buy them books.JESSICA DON'T GIVE UP!!!!!!!!!!

  • millieboo (Age 10) wrote on Thursday, 19 May 2011 @ 16:13

    well done jessica! i hope u win because i love books!!!!! Go jessica goooooo

  • lovedance (Age 12) wrote on Friday, 10 June 2011 @ 03:10

    Why does it matter anyway Red ?? I just thought of Mirri then, I forgot about your comment. :/

  • beccabokka (Age 13) wrote on Wednesday, 6 July 2011 @ 18:41

    Jess you are so amazing. You could one day be prime minister. xx Beccabokka (Claro's sister)

  • samr29 (Age 12) wrote on Saturday, 9 July 2011 @ 09:35

    i think it is good that she wants to meet the prime minister

  • pigs2001 (Age 10) wrote on Friday, 5 August 2011 @ 19:37

    it was very very brave of her to ask the priminister anything abbie x

  • Searose19 (Age 12) wrote on Friday, 9 September 2011 @ 20:25

    i agree with everyone who agrees with jessica. she is really brave! i love books and i read so many that we cant buy them all. I NEED MY LIBRARY!!! if the government and banks got us into this mess then they should get us out, or at least check what we think should go!

  • millieboo (Age 10) wrote on Friday, 16 September 2011 @ 18:04

    i AGREE

  • spicegal16 (Age 12) wrote on Friday, 14 October 2011 @ 11:48

    I agree with jessica I love reading I am a bookaholic also how do u get those animations

  • superdog7 (Age 12) wrote on Monday, 17 October 2011 @ 10:21

    i love books they are sooo good though our libery is not big but it has a fair bit and books are expensive so GO JESSIICA

  • yumyum (Age 12) wrote on Saturday, 14 January 2012 @ 10:55

    I love libraries but I could never do that in a million years GO JESSICA!

  • Renesemee (Age 11) wrote on Thursday, 19 January 2012 @ 18:24

    I think that libraries are wonderful because it ensures that anybody, despite how much money they have they can have the chance to read. Consequently, GO JESSICA! She is very brave to stand up like that nd Speek for everybody to shy to do so!

  • annacatshe (Age 12) wrote on Friday, 20 January 2012 @ 20:03

    i love books its the best but they cant shut them down did you know that books can help you spell. And its inportant in life to have that sort of thing.

  • buzzer (Age 10) wrote on Friday, 17 February 2012 @ 17:03

    first conservative try to make school longer, then this. Quite right Jessica, you may be our only hope, you are probably the only one that has the guts to stand up to cameron

  • sherlock93 (Age 12) wrote on Monday, 20 February 2012 @ 18:13

    You cant shut down libraries, they give us a good education!!!!

  • eproct1 (Age 10) wrote on Thursday, 23 February 2012 @ 16:02

    I think libaries definatly should not be shut down for afew reasons! 1. They are a brilliant place where children and adults can read! 2. Some children can't afford books and the only place for them to read is THE LIBARY. 3. If the libaries shut down the whole building might just be wasted. And that means less moeny coming in! 4.Libaries help people get a better education. If we wan't britain to be a clever country libaries will really help! 5.Libaries give children and adults an idea of what is happening! So they will be informed of the news! (Because of the newspapers!)

  • glam123 (Age 10) wrote on Friday, 24 February 2012 @ 16:21

    G

  • glam123 (Age 10) wrote on Friday, 24 February 2012 @ 16:21

    Go libraries.

  • bizzy4100 (Age 12) wrote on Thursday, 1 March 2012 @ 19:44

    I totally agree with Jessica She should keep fighting for what she believes in. Books rock!! I can't imagine what I would do if my local library closed down!! I adore reading!!! Jessica must be really brave to stand up to the Prime Minister like that. Go Jessica!!!

  • Sergei5520 (Age 10) wrote on Monday, 12 March 2012 @ 16:54

    GO LIBRARIES! I am a member of my local library's reading group and I would be devastated if it shut down! the other day I went into Sutton to discover Sutton library has been shut for 5 years!

  • zanadu (Age 12) wrote on Sunday, 18 March 2012 @ 16:58

    It would be terrible that libraries close because they help in children as well as adults ability to read. I like visiting my local library and don't know what i would do without it

  • mabli (Age 9) wrote on Saturday, 24 March 2012 @ 11:02

    I love liabrarys.

  • pandapops (Age 10) wrote on Wednesday, 11 April 2012 @ 12:39

    wow this girl is very determined and i think that it is good that she stands up for what she wants

  • Hajra444 (Age 9) wrote on Thursday, 26 April 2012 @ 18:23

    GO JESSICA

  • Anniepop (Age 9) wrote on Saturday, 5 May 2012 @ 17:20

    yeees

  • Anniepop (Age 9) wrote on Saturday, 5 May 2012 @ 17:20

    yeees

  • jobo2002 (Age 10) wrote on Wednesday, 9 May 2012 @ 20:03

    She is way braver than me I get scared till just going to pay at the till....

  • awesomepup (Age 12) wrote on Wednesday, 23 May 2012 @ 18:11

    I agree with her her! I am DEFINITELY gonna sign her petition!