Telford & Wrekin library service changes to go before cabinet
Plans by Telford & Wrekin Council to change its library service are to go before the council’s cabinet on Thursday 26 April.
The council says savings of around 20 per cent could be achieved without the need to close any of the 9 libraries across the borough if the plans are approved.
The proposal states that the savings could be gained through the reduction of opening hours along with the exploration of researching new opportunities to co-locate library services with other partner services in order to save building related costs.
Partnering services could consist of Parish Council’s sharing library buildings or First Point services operating out of the four main busiest libraries in Telford, Wellington, Newport and Madeley.
First Point services have already been included in the development of the new Wellington Library; part of the £8.5m Wellington Civic & Leisure Centre.
The proposal put forward to cabinet has been informed by consultation that took place between January and February of this year. As part of the consultation current library users and residents were asked; what times of day they would most likely use their library and what facilities and resources would they like to see available in the future.
Councillor Arnold England, cabinet member for Leisure & Wellbeing, said:
“These proposals would help Telford & Wrekin Council deliver a sustainable library service providing co-operative opportunities with town and parish councils and other partners including schools.
“The proposals would mean that no library in Telford and Wrekin would have to close and by presenting a proposal which has been informed by public opinion, the suggestion to change library opening hours should suit our service users.”
