Future of five libraries considered

Cabinet to discuss five libraries' futures

books stacked together

The future of five libraries will be considered by the county council’s ruling cabinet next week (March 1).

One library – Barwell – is proposed for closure, after a local group withdrew a bid to run it. Other areas, where groups are still interested, may be given more time to devise viable plans.

 

I regret the closure of any library and we remain open to discuss any other ways in which we might prevent Barwell library from closing, while tackling our funding pressures. This is the only library out of 36 that is facing closure.

"There was a bid from a local group that we thought offered a good basis to build on but, unfortunately, the group did not feel they could guarantee the longer term sustainability of the library. We have to respect their decision and I would like to thank them for the time and effort they have put in to date.

"Without another bid, we are left with no alternative but to close the library this summer and put in place a weekly mobile library service. We will look at ways we can provide computers at the George Ward Centre.

"I’m hopeful that we can still reach agreement in Braunstone Town, Mountsorrel, Narborough and Kirby Muxloe. Our experience from other parts of the county shows how community groups are making real improvements to their libraries.

 

Last year, the county council proposed that local groups should run the 36 community libraries, to save £580,000 per year.

A total of 13 libraries have transferred to community control since then and the majority are on track to transfer over the next year.

The council decided to consult the public in four areas – Barwell, Braunstone Town, Mountsorrel and Narborough – on a possible replacement, mobile library service, where groups had not come forward with plans which met the council’s criteria.

A report to cabinet reveals that, in all four areas, a majority of respondents opposed the idea of a mobile library service and wished to retain the existing library.

The council is now proposing to:

  • Close Barwell library and replace it with a mobile service for books and seek to reach agreement to provide computer equipment in the George Ward Centre.
  • Defer a decision on Braunstone Town library until April 19, to provide time to assess a bid that has come from a staff-based social enterprise
  • Defer a decision on Mountsorrel library until April 19, to provide further time for further lease discussions with the building’s landlord, which could lead to a viable bid to run the library
  • Give a group interested in running Narborough library until March 31 to submit a viable plan

Kirby Muxloe Parish Council has been unable to progress its bid to run the library. The county council is seeking legal advice to establish the appropriate way forward.

The cabinet will discuss the report when it meets at 2pm on Tuesday, March 1. Read the report

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