City asked for its views on the future of libraries
CONSULTATION UNDER WAY FOR ‘FUTURE SERVICE MODEL’
The future of the last remaining libraries in Sunderland is to come under the spotlight after the city council revealed it is slashing the budget for the service even further.
A consultation is now set to get under way after the ruling Labour cabinet voted to ask the public for their views on what it calls “a future service model”.
The council closed nine of the city’s libraries in 2013, despite protests by campaigners and residents, in a bid to make savings.
Libraries in Hen don, Do xford Park, Monk wear mouth, Southwick, Silksworth, East Herrington, Easington Lane, Fence Houses and Washington Green were all shut.
Now, with further reductions to the budget in the pipeline, many are worried that further closures cannot be ruled out.
The cabinet report read: “Given the significant financial pressures facing the council currently and in future years, a number of reductions across a range of services in People, Place and Economy have been agreed by the council for 2016/17 and beyond.
“These include further reductions to the Library Service’s residual budget.”
The report adds: “The outcome of the consultation will inform proposals to ensure that there is a sufficient and sustainable future library offer.”
Following the consultation, a further report will be drawn up by the end of the year, with any changes set to come into effect in April next year.
Cabinet member for public health, wellbeing, and culture, Coun John Kelly, told the meeting: “Following the annihilation of the Lib Dems and the Tories, we are facing further financial pressures. Our finances are under real scrutiny at this time.”
But he said it was not all doom and gloom, claiming people are actually reading more following the library closures, adding: “We’ve actually had an increase in book lending over the previous few years, since this reorganisation.”
Coun Celia Gofton, cabinet member for responsive services and customer care, said: “It’s a very good thing to have, but I think we have to make it very clear that this has been as a direct result of the Lib Dem and Tory coalition and for the last year, the Tory Government.
“This is not a position we find ourselves in through our choosing.
“We are on the track that the Lib Dems and Tories have set out for us.”
Coun Michael Mordey, cabinet member for city services, added: “We’ve looked at putting library services at the heart of the community.
“We went into a partnership with Back on the Map. What we have created is a community hub and there are community volunteers working there.”