13th January 2012

SOUTH SOMERSET: U-turn over future of libraries

IT IS NOW official, Somerset County Council has reversed its decision regarding library closures, following a high court decision that declared the proposal unlawful.

A major investment in technology and the reinstatement of previously reduced library services was confirmed at the council’s meeting on Wednesday. A £600,000 capital investment in equipment will enable library users to “self-serve” when checking books and other items into and out of some of the county’s busiest libraries.

Councillors also approved the reinstatement of previously reduced opening hours in 23 libraries and the reintroduction of four discontinued mobile libraries. Funding for 11 libraries that had been planned to end by April this year will now continue.

The decision follows the recent Judicial Review which quashed the council’s decision to make changes to the Library Service.

In making the decision, Councillor Lawrence, cabinet member for community services, also outlined the council’s approach to deciding the future funding and shape of the Library Service. Elected members will consider the future of the service as part of a service review due to start in April, 2012. All of the Councilís services are being reviewed over the next 18 months.

The council aims to install self-service technology into its ten busiest libraries, which will include Chard, and opening hours are due to be reinstated by Monday, February 6th at Chard, Crewkerne and Ilminster. Funding for South Petherton will not be withdrawn.

SOUTH SOMERSET: U-turn over future of libraries

Comments

Add new comment