Author Joanne Harris has called for the government to invest more money in libraries and the arts, saying that the UK has a "literacy problem." Harris, who was awarded an OBE for services to literature by the Prince of Wales on Tuesday, said that libraries and the arts are "vital" for promoting literacy and creativity.
"We have a literacy problem in this country," Harris said. "We need to do more to encourage people to read and to write. Libraries and the arts are vital for this."
Harris pointed to the fact that the UK has one of the lowest literacy rates in the developed world. According to a recent study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), 1 in 5 adults in the UK cannot read and write at a basic level.
"This is a national embarrassment," Harris said. "We need to do more to address this problem." Harris called on the government to invest more money in libraries and the arts. She said that libraries are "crucial" for providing access to books and other resources, and that the arts can help to "inspire" people to read and write.
"Libraries and the arts are not just about entertainment," Harris said. "They are about education and they are about social mobility. They are about giving people the opportunity to improve their lives."
Harris's call for more investment in libraries and the arts has been echoed by other authors and artists. In a recent letter to the government, a group of authors and artists called for "a new cultural deal" that would see the government invest more money in the arts.
"The arts are not a luxury," the letter said. "They are essential for our society." The government has yet to respond to Harris's call for more investment in libraries and the arts. However, Harris's comments have reignited the debate about the importance of the arts and libraries in the UK.
This is, of course, highly relevant to the writing community. Here’s how public libraries make you a better writer:
- Access to books and other resources. Public libraries have a wide variety of books, magazines, newspapers, and other resources that can help you improve your writing skills. You can find books on grammar, punctuation, style, and other aspects of writing. You can also find books on different genres of writing, such as fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. In addition to books, libraries often have access to online resources, such as databases of articles and journals, that can help you with your writing.
- Writing workshops and classes. Many public libraries offer writing workshops and classes that can help you improve your writing skills. These workshops and classes are often taught by experienced writers who can provide you with feedback and guidance.
- Quiet spaces to write. Libraries often have quiet spaces where you can write without distractions. This can be a great place to focus on your writing and to get your creative juices flowing.
- Access to technology. Many public libraries have computers and other technology that you can use to write. This can be helpful if you need to access online resources or if you need to use specialised software for your writing.
- Networking opportunities. Libraries often host events and workshops that can help you connect with other writers. This can be a great way to get feedback on your writing, to learn from other writers, and to build your writing community.
The UK government doesn’t have a great track record in responding to calls to protect funding for libraries. Here are some other ways you can foster a writing community:
- Online forums and communities. There are many online forums and communities where you can connect with other writers. These forums can be a great way to get feedback on your writing, to learn from other writers, and to build your writing community.
- Meetup groups. There are also many Meetup groups for writers. Meetup is a website that allows you to find groups of people who share your interests. You can use Meetup to find groups of writers in your area who meet regularly to write, share their work, and get feedback.
- Start your own writing group. If you can't find a writing group that's a good fit for you, you can start your own. This can be a great way to connect with other writers who share your interests and who are at the same level as you.
- Attend writing workshops and conferences. There are many writing workshops and conferences that you can attend to connect with other writers. These workshops and conferences can be a great way to learn from experienced writers, get feedback on your work, and network with other writers.
