Libraries face axe: Time to have your say
CHANCE TO SAVE KEY FEATURES
ANGLESEY residents are being urged to have their say on proposals which could threaten the future of five of the island’s libraries.
A public consultation on the county council’s Draft Library Service Strategy 2017-2022 ends on Friday, September 22.
The draft strategy explores the options to shape the future of the service, including Area Libraries; Authority-led, Community-supported Libraries, Mobile Services and community access points.
Beaumaris, Cemaes, Moelfre, Newborough and Rhosneigr Libraries are at risk as they have the lowest number of annual visits, loans and computer sessions.
But council officers say they are currently working with local groups and organisations in these communities in a bid to secure their support in the future running of the library buildings.
Anglesey’s Head of Learning, Delyth Molyneux, said: “We have seen a change in the way people use our libraries, with an overall decline in physical library visits and number of items issued, possibly due to technological advances.
“However, there is clear evidence that Anglesey residents want to safeguard key features, such as book lending, ICT provision, focus on helping children, young people and adults to improve skills and learn, and the ability for the libraries to act as a community hub.
“Given the financial pressures faced, we believe that the draft strategy offers the best possible library provision for Anglesey residents.”
She added: “If there is no support from the communities or other parties, there is a possibility that libraries may close.
“What we mean by support is a willingness to help the council, by either offering an alternative venue or taking over the costs of the current buildings.
“Our talks with communities and other partners about the possibility of developing local delivery models are still ongoing.”
Last year, there were almost 300,000 visits to Anglesey’s 10 libraries and mobile library, with the authority committed to providing a statutory service that is comprehensive and efficient, as required by section seven of the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964.
For further information, or to have your say on the Draft Library Service Strategy, 2017-2022, please follow the link: www.anglesey.gov. uk/librariesthewayforward
The Draft Library Service Strategy 2017-2022 public consultation was launched on June 26. A report asking for approval of the final draft strategy will go before the Executive in November.