Libraries provide vital lifeline to millions of Brits as communities see unprecedented in the number of people using their services

Cost-of-living crisis has increased young people’s engagement with literary spaces

Rutger Bruining, CEO and founder of leading biography-writing service, comments on the vital importance of funding arts and literary initiatives despite economic downturn

Community libraries have witnessed an “unprecedented” rise in the number of people using their services in recent times due to the cost-of-living crisis. Though primarily driven by the need for access to warm places amidst soaring energy costs, it has caused a significant uptick in the number of young people engaging with the literary arts. However, despite this trend and the well-documented benefits that may come as a result of children engaging with literature, many libraries may still face closure amidst funding and budget cuts. Speaking on the importance of keeping libraries alive, Rutger Bruining, entrepreneur in the publishing arena, as well as CEO/founder of StoryTerrace, the UK’s leading biography-writing service, emphasises the vital lifeline that libraries provide for families, elderly people, and communities. 

According to Libraries Connected, an independent charity representing public libraries, soaring costs are likely to lead to “drastic cuts” and even cause closures in the next year due to insufficient funding. These cuts will not only remove vital safe and free spaces for education across the UK, but they also risk neglecting Britain’s youth of an artistic outlet that could prove pivotal in their development.

For children, libraries have the power to improve their quality of life – they have access to a wealth of literacy and a range of support. According to a Governmental research study, evidence suggests there is a positive relationship between reading frequency, reading enjoyment and attainment. Children in England report less frequent reading for pleasure outside of school than children in many other countries, meaning library closures could result in a worsening literary gap being formed between the UK and other nations.

Rutger Bruining, CEO/founder of StoryTerrace, comments on the vital importance of funding arts and literary initiatives despite economic downturn:

“Libraries mean so much to local communities – and are key in fostering positive learning and social outcomes for young people and adults. Not only do they offer a safe place to read and escape in a work of art, but they also provide a place of comfort for those who need it. Libraries are a hub for creativity, and for some children who don’t have the privilege to do so at home, they may be a starting point in finding their imagination and learning basic literacy skills. 

“I think this recent trend we are observing highlights how valuable these spaces are and that we often take them for granted. Storytelling is what we do with our parents or guardians from the youngest age we can remember, and libraries are used to keep that peaceful moment alive for everyone later on it life.”

About StoryTerrace

StoryTerrace’s mission is to ensure that every life story is captured and passed on in a meaningful way. Its award-winning memoir writing service takes care of the whole process – matching clients with one of over 750 professional writers, interviewing, photo gathering, editing, designing, and printing their very own book. Books are on average 100 pages long, meaning that everyone can have their life story – or those of their loved ones – documented in a professionally curated biography or series of memoirs.