Cuts to the local library staff

are not on. 
Anyone who knows me also knows that I am a frequent user and passionate supporter of our local library.  I joined the local library in my adolescence. It was one of the first things my brother and I did on returning to the city to continue our education. The idea of having our own library tickets and being able to choose our own books was something we wanted as soon as possible. 
Back then the library occupied only a small space. Inside it there were still smaller areas for very young children, children, "teens", and then the fiction and non-fiction for adults. The library was often crowded. 
They eventually expanded the library. Yes, that would do. No, not for long. It soon became obvious that the expansion was not nearly large enough. 
The problem was that the library was being used - and used more and more. They have had to expand into providing computer facilities, DVDs, CDs, "graphic novels", and groups which teach English (and French). There are book groups (with waiting lists), board game groups, chess, Scrabble, and craft groups. There are visiting speakers and other events. There is a JP service there at certain times. The teens had a clothing exchange recently... welcomed by parents who have fast growing teens. People meet there for all sorts of reasons.
The library staff are a mix of fully qualified librarians and people who have "library aide" certificates. There are also volunteers who help to shelve books and do the deliveries for the  home-bound service.  There are people like me who get called upon to use our specialist knowledge of subject areas if we happen to be in the library. 
Now the library is being expanded yet again. It is being expanded so that there will be more shelf space, more meeting space and a place to have coffee. The Toy Library, currently in a separate location, will be moved into the new building when it is complete.
So I was appalled to learn that the council is considering sacking all the library staff - apart from one librarian. It is proposed that it will then attempt to run the library on volunteers.
That simply won't work. It is clear that, to even suggest the idea, the council has no idea what librarians actually do.  It also has no idea how the library is used or how it functions as much more than "a place to borrow books". 
Keeping the library staff they have now, an outstanding team of people, will actually save money in the end. The library is vital to the mental and social health of the community. It keeps some teens off the streets. The resources are helping to instill a love of learning into the very young. It is providing a safe haven for some of the vulnerable members of the local community. Older people can find intellectual companionship there.
I could go on.
And yes, I know this problem is being faced in other places. It is time that the real value of libraries is made known. They are the very lifeblood of our communities.