Libraries to close..?

[raveydavey]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-11491735Up to 20 libraries in Leeds could be closed if a proposed shake-up of the service gets the go-ahead.The city council plans instead to provide modern mobile libraries and extend opening hours at many of the city's remaining 33 library buildings.If the proposals are backed by the council next Wednesday, they will then be put out to public consultation.A council spokesman said the shake-up had the potential to cut £700,000 a year from staff and operational costs.Continue reading the main storyRelated storiesLibrary visitors continue to dropLibrary service shake-up plannedHe said the possible changes were based on feedback from library users, who had called for longer opening hours, increased access to computers, a wider selection of books and the ability to use new technology such as e-books.A report to the council said that of the four million visits to the city's 53 libraries in 2009/10, 2.8 million were made to just 13 libraries.The 20 least well-attended libraries received just 132,000 visits during the same period.The council said that due to their limited opening hours more than £1m of book stock was not fully accessible.One library assistant, who did not wish to be named, told BBC News: "I'm furious really. This is really bad for the city."These libraries are community resources and most of them are in deprived areas of the city."They're not just places to borrow books, they're somewhere people go to read the paper or for a bit of company, children come in to do their homework, people come in to print off a CV or get a bus timetable."I know the council needs to save money but to close 20 libraries does seem quite savage, it's a step too far."'Modern approach'However, Adam Ogilvie, the council's executive board member with responsibility for libraries, said: "This consultation would be all about giving the people of Leeds the chance to tell us what kind of library service they want. "The advance of technology has seen people now able to access library services in a number of different ways and without even physically needing to visit a library building."We want to offer people greater access to our services by adopting a modern approach which meets their needs."Should this consultation proposal go ahead it would be hugely important for as many people as possible to tell us what they think - their views are absolutely vital in making any change a success."The 20 libraries are: Allerton Bywater, Armley Heights, Belle Isle, Broad Lane, Cow Close (Farnley), Drighlington, Holbeck, Ireland Wood, Kirkstall, Lofthouse, Methley, Osmondthorpe, Rawdon, Richmond Hill, Scholes, Shadwell, Swarcliffe, Swillington, Swinnow and Whinmoor. Another nail in the cutural identity of Leeds, or an overdue reorganization of resources to where they are needed?Our local library is one of those threatened by closure, but I can't wonder if it's stuck in a vicious cycle? The hours it is actually open are ridiculously short, to the point where it's near impossible to use the library if you're at work during the day.

[chameleon]

I remember the weekly trip to the library after tea, every Saturday when Crossgates at least, with the formidable librarian Mrs Hemingway, 'manning' the always busy counter until the 8.00pm closing time.

[dogduke]

I have visited some of the libraries on the closure list.Kirkstall,Swarecliffe etc.onlybecause they had in stock something I had searched for on line and they were the nearest branch.Usually there was only a librarian and myself in the place.Computerisation provides managers with all sorts of information regarding usageof facilities,libraries stock lots of expensive books and seem to have good staffing levels.Ideal targets for the bean counters.

[raveydavey]

When I'd finally penetrated the Leeds City Council website sufficiently to locate the actual library opening hours, I was surprised to see that Seacroft library is open on a Sunday.Good thinking, I wonder what footfall is like?