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More time for library consultation
A second round of public consultation has been launched to decide the future of Bristol’s library service.
In a report to cabinet on Tuesday, Bristol City councillors were presented with the initial recommendations to modernise the service.
There has been wide-spread criticism of possible plans to close seven libraries in the city in order to save £1.1m. Some 40 full-time equivalent jobs would be lost if this goes ahead.
is needed now More than ever
At last night’s meeting it was agreed to extend the consultation period from three months to four to allow time for more people to take part in the consultation process.
Mayor George Ferguson said there are “no easy decisions,” but the service had to modernise and “no change is not an option”.
He added that a “future library service needs to be relevant” to the city.
Only 5.6% of the city and surrounding area’s 437,500 population use the library services, meaning the council spends £208 a year on each user.
The libraries which have been identified for possible closure are:
- Clifton
- Eastville
- Marksbury Road
- Redland
- Sea Mills
- Westbury
- Wick Road
The city council runs 28 libraries, including Central Library. 130 full-time equivalent staff are employed across the city.
Councillor Daniella Radice, Assistant Mayor for Neighbourhoods, said it will be “difficult to keep all libraries open whilst maintaining a good service” and urged people to take part in the consultation process.
She said no decisions had been taken about the seven libraries and she was keen to “explore potential alternative opportunities” including community partnerships.
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