Martin Heath , BBC; Why could closing a library silence music groups?
"The conductor of a long-established orchestra has warned that some music and drama groups could fold if a performing arts library is closed.
Hertfordshire County Council has consulted on a plan to shut down the facility, which provides music and scripts for about 230 groups.
It says it is having to make savings to ensure essential library services are protected.
So why would getting rid of the performing arts collection have such an impact?...
Could groups close if they cannot rely on the library?
Ross said: "My colleagues who are the librarians in our society, and in all other comparable organisations, are all volunteers doing this in their own time. [They] are going to find what's already quite a complex job... [becomes] something that's almost going to be impossible.
"So, in short, yes, I think some groups may close down and for others, they're going to be spending a lot more money from what are inevitably very limited budgets on music hire, which means they can't spend that money then on other activities that serve the community."
Bryony Woods, co-founder of the Stotfold Singers, said closure "would really negatively impact a lot of people".
"I think we're living in a time where you know we're becoming more isolated and lonely than ever and I think something that is bringing people out of their homes to join in something like communal singing is only a positive thing and I think we should be encouraging it.""
