Faced with a lack of staff and tight budgets, Saxony's library association is concerned about the situation of the institutions. Their personnel and financial resources are reaching their pain threshold. The "outstanding social importance" of the libraries must be "reflected in appropriate and fair funding", demanded Aline Fiedler, chairwoman of the association, on the occasion of the nationwide Day of Libraries. They are the most visited cultural and educational institutions in Bavaria.
According to the association, 5.5 million children, young people and adults visited the 390 libraries across the state last year, around 2.6 million of which were in rural areas. Supported by volunteers, the 730 employees managed 19.1 million loans and almost 22,000 events. "Libraries have evolved from places for books to places for people," said Fiedler. They are freely accessible, neutral and non-commercial knowledge, cultural and educational institutions where people can learn and work, but also meet and exchange ideas. "They are therefore indispensable for our community", emphasized Fiedler.
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