Viv Bird talks about National Libraries Day

Let's celebrate National Libraries Day!

For places that are normally associated with quietness, there has been a huge amount of noise around libraries of late. The future of our libraries has never been more hotly debated than it is right now and the stakes are undoubtedly high. Saturday 4 February is National Libraries Day - a nationwide day of celebration devoted to all types of libraries, library users, staff and supporters across the UK.

I welcome the focus. At Booktrust, we know that the clichéd vision of libraries as stuffy, silent places is outdated. Our experience of the best libraries is as vibrant hubs of activity where people from all backgrounds and ages can come together to experience the delight of books and so much more. It's because of this that almost every area of Booktrust's work is enhanced and amplified by working with public and school libraries up and down the country.

I want to give just one example of how local librarians are really making a difference to people's lives.

Bookstart gives children a flying start in life by offering the gift of free books to all children at key ages before they start school. In each local authority, library services play a key role in managing the local logistical operation of Bookstart, receiving and storing book packs and forwarding them on to local partners. These include health clinics, prisons, family learning providers and organisations in contact with local families at risk of socially exclusion who would not have the confidence to enter a library to collect their Bookstart packs. In return, Bookstart provides libraries with promotional resources to encourage 1.5 million families each year to join the library and benefit from their facilities. This includes the opportunity to join the Bookstart Bear Club and attend weekly Rhymetime sessions free at local libraries.

'Rhymetime has helped my child sing more at home, sit down and listen and make new friends. She loves rhythm, and rhyme, staff are happy, enthusiastic and cheerful which really helps.'  Mum, Trafford Libraries

Weekly Rhymetime sessions are part of the life blood of local libraries. Let's all celebrate - and recognise - librarians' important contribution to strong and vibrant local communities.

In celebration of National Libraries Day, Booktrust is throwing its own spotlight on libraries, with some fascinating and varied views on the challenges and opportunities ahead. Our online writer-in-residence Bali Rai interviews libraries campaigner Alan Gibbons, while Ayub Khan of Warwickshire Library Service highlights the innovative work that he and many others in the library service are involved in. We are delighted to have contributions from two influential politicians, the Minister and Shadow Minister for Culture - Ed Vaizey MP and Dan Jarvis MP - who describe their own vision for libraries.

If you want to join the debate, follow Booktrust on Twitter and use the official hashtag #NLD12.