Lib Dems ‘fear Labour may be trying to get rid’ of branches
Wearside’s Liberal Democrats said after the meeting that they fear the review could lead to further library closures.
Earlier this year, a Freedom of Information request revealed that the council spent £182,280 on the nine libraries, since they closed.
The money went on maintenance, utility bills and se- curity costs. However, the authority was keen to stress that, in the same period, it also raised £500,000 from the sale of former library buildings.
Coun Niall Hodson said: “We have huge concerns about the future of local libraries like the ones at Kayll Road, Fulwell, Shiney Row and Ryhope that have already had their opening hours severely cut.
“Labour councillors have undermined our branch libraries and we fear they may now be trying to get rid of them completely.
“As part of this consultation, the council must explore all possible options before closing any library – for example, if coffee shops could rent out space in libraries to provide income needed to keep libraries open.”
Conservative Coun Michael Dixon said: “The consultation exercise is very welcome.
“If it proves as successful as the last one in 2013, when despite Sunderland Labour Council blaming Government cuts for every ill, it was obvious to all that use of libraries was on the decline and changes had to be made.
“The result at the former branch library in Hendon is a thriving community facility for all age groups and similarly at Doxford Park.”