New library opening hours help cut budget
OPENING hours for libraries in West Lancashire have been revealed as Lancashire County Council looks to cut money from its libraries budget.
The council says that each library has been allocated to one of four bands depending upon local need, so that opening hours are proportionate to the local population. The new bands are: Band One – 50 hours over six days every week.
Band Two – 42 hours over six days every week.
Band Three – 34 hours over five days every week.
Band Four – 18 hours over four days every week.
The opening hours in West Lancashire are now: SKELMERSDALE (Band One):
Monday 9am-7pm; Tuesday 9am-5pm; Wednesday 9am-5pm; Thursday 9am-5pm; Friday 9am-5pm; Saturday 9am-5pm; Sunday Closed. ORMSKIRK (Band Two):
Monday 9am-5pm; Tuesday 9am-5pm; Wednesday9am-1pm; Thursday 1pm-7pm; Friday 9am-5pm; Saturday 9am-5pm; Sunday Closed. BURSCOUGH (Band Three):
Monday 9am-7pm; Tuesday Closed; Wednesday 9am-5pm; Thursday 9am-1pm; Friday9am5pm; Saturday 9am-1pm; Sunday Closed. PARBOLD (Band Three):
Monday Closed; Tuesday 9am-5pm; Wednesday 9am-1pm; Thursday 9am-7pm; Friday 9am5pm; Saturday 9am-1pm; Sunday Closed. TARLETON (Band Three):
Monday 9am-5pm; Tuesday 9am-7pm; Wednesday Closed; Thursday 9am-5pm; Friday 9am-1pm; Saturday 9am-1pm; Sunday Closed.
Lancashire County Council said: “Overall the proposal means that libraries across the county will be open for more hours in total than at present.”
The implementation of consistent working hours will also result in a service budget saving.
County Councillor Peter Buckley, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: “The changes to the opening hours at libraries are in response to some very useful feedback we received during our consultation.
“We are very aware that people in local areas have detailed knowledge about what would work best for them, and we’ve responded to this as much as we could.
“Wherever possible we’ve opened libraries on the days and times people told us that they would prefer to use them.
“The changed opening hours also make sure that the service provided to residents is as streamlined and efficient as possible.
“Libraries will now be open for more hours in total across the county at a reduced total cost, in order to better meet the demand with the resources we have.
“There will be no difference in the quality of service between bands.”
A 24/7 virtual digital online service is also available providing a downloadable library of fiction and non-fiction in both eBook and eAudio format.
A range of subscription reference resources are available to all members. These support homework, study and provide information including news, local history, business, music, government publications, encyclopaedias and dictionaries.
Joining a Lancashire library is free and there are no age restrictions.
For more information, go to www.lancashire.gov. uk/libraries or call 0300 123 6703.