Literacy news
Libraries face major cost-cutting reviews
19 Jul 2010
Following Lewisham Council’s plans to close five libraries last week, Islington, Richmond, Cornwall and the Isle of Wight are the latest councils to announce reviews of their library service.
Councils across the country are undergoing detailed reviews to analyse strategy, staffing, finances and the general use of library services.
Ian Dodds, Richmond Council’s Head of Culture, said it was reviewing library finances. He says:
“We recognise our libraries are highly valued by residents, but we won’t make any final funding decisions until the review is complete.”
Meanwhile, Hampshire councillor Margaret Snaith-Tempia told local newspaper Portsmouth Today she “could not rule out” closures among the county’s 54 libraries as the service looks to save £1.3m from a budget of £18m. She says:
“Two years ago, I would have said we will never close a library, but as things are now, we can’t rule out the closure of some of our smaller ones.”
Also this week, librarians were set to stage a second day of action in Southampton over plans to replace staff with volunteers.
Library campaigner Tim Coates said an estimated cut of £30m in the book spend on libraries was “perfectly reasonable” to expect, “although obviously one hopes not”.
Read more at The Bookseller
