As the full effects of Labour’s recession start to bite and vital funds are squandered on headline-grabbing gimmicks, local services are being put at risk. One such service that is always vulnerable to budget cuts is local libraries. The library service, and particularly the Archives and Local Studies Centre, is much-loved by local residents – and is a priority for your local Lib Dem team.

When the Liberal Democrats became the largest party in Camden we promised to support our libraries, increasing opening hours and provide extra money for books. Both of these promises have been delivered. In times of financial difficulty, libraries are often a ‘soft option’ for making savings – but Lib Dem-led Camden has rejected this approach. Back in 2006 we fought and won against proposals to close at least one of Camden’s smaller libraries and the mobile library service.

But as money gets ever tighter, we need to make sure our libraries are modern, effective and efficient to protect them against future threats and closure. This means preserving all the vital and positive qualities of the service, at the same time as bringing it up-to-date to serve the needs of an ever-changing society.

A staff-led review of how libraries are run has produced recommendations to update the complex and incoherent staff structure that has developed haphazardly over many years. The new technology being introduced isn’t a threat to libraries, but a lifeline – by reducing costs and making the service more modern it helps guard against the threat of closure and opens up libraries to a new generation of people who are currently rejecting libraries in favour of the internet. It also frees library staff to concentrate on the important work – including making libraries relevant again, reinventing themselves to bring in new generations of people in the same way that London’s museums have.

One area that is being looked at is the Archives and Local History Centre. It seems that some of the draft proposals could see a downgrading of the service and a loss of staff. Cllr Flick Rea, the Lib Dem Executive Member for Culture who is a passionate advocate for Camden’s libraries, has ordered that these proposals be reconsidered. The Archives and Local History Centre is a vital and well-loved resource that needs properly qualified staff: any changes to the library service more generally must see the Archives and Local History service retained and strengthened.

For the Liberal Democrats, knowledge and learning are the most powerful and valuable drivers of individual and social progress. We understand the value and importance of history, as a driving force for change and a wise guide for the future. We’ve fought to protect and improve our libraries, and so far we’ve won. Now we need to make the changes that will protect and enhance our libraries, and our local history service, for future generations.

Camden Garden Centre is a well established beacon in training young people to acquire new skills, under Mike Jackson’s expert supervision.  Mike has approached Camden with an initiative that he presented to Councillors on 9th May.  Together with Camden, he wants to turn a neglected backwater by the railway above Barker Drive into a practical growing plot where local residents can learn about gardening, hands on.  It’s an idea that fits well with the Lib Dems’ sustainability agenda.  Paul is going to lobby his colleague Councillors and Council officers to get behind this embryonic new scheme and put it out as a consultation to Elm Village residents.

The case for lowering the voting age to 16 is overwhelming, and we’ve never been closer to making history for young people and democracy - but there’s only one week left to have your say in the Youth Citizenship Commission’s consultation on the voting age.

At 16, people can leave home, start a family, get full time jobs, pay taxes, joined the armed forces and make all kinds of important decisions about their future. 16 and 17 year olds are interested in all kinds of issues; are often more enthusiastic and active than older people; and with citizenship education, youth engagement campaigns, 24 hour news and high-speed interatcive media they are the most politically aware and educated generation ever. Denying them the vote sends a message to them - and to society as a whole - that their views are not valid, and that voting is not the way to express their opinions.

It’s time we recognised the positive contribution that the vast majority of young people make. It’s time we gave them a real say and really listened to their views. It’s time we backed up all our talk about young people playing their part as citizens - by giving them the fundamental, defining right of a citizen. It’s time for Votes at 16.

Politicians from all parties, the House of Lords, the Welsh Assembly, the Scottish Parliament, all the leading youth sector and young people’s organisations, and hundreds of thousands of people of all ages support Votes at 16.

The Government is looking at it very seriously - the Youth Citizenship Commission was set up to look specifically at lowering the voting age, and other issues around citizenship and young people. Their consultation closes on 20th January - so there’s only a few days left to have your say. For more information visit their website, and please add your voice calling for the voting age to be lowered to 16. You can fill in their questionnaire, or just send them a comment - all comments, even just a single line, will make a difference.

For more information on the Votes at 16 campaign see their website, or download the booklet 16 for 16: 16 Reasons for Votes at 16