Library users invited to have their say on review of library opening hours

Library users across Shropshire are invited to have their say on proposals to changes to library opening hours.

The consultation is in response to the further £585,000 savings that Library Services is required to make as part of Shropshire Council’s £23m savings plan identified for 2016/17 in its Financial Strategy 2016/17 – 2018/19.

Changes to library opening times are being proposed for Bayston Hill, Bridgnorth, Ellesmere, Gobowen, The Library at the Lantern (in Shrewsbury), Ludlow, Market Drayton, Much Wenlock, Oswestry, Shrewsbury, Wem and Whitchurch.

The new times suggested in the proposals have been based on an analysis of visitor numbers to each of the libraries which was undertaken to identify the quietest periods which, according to the research, have been identified as evenings and Saturday afternoons.

The proposed changes to library opening hours are forecast to generate savings of approximately £55,000 per annum.

Stuart West, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for leisure and culture said:

“Shropshire Council is considering a number of changes that could save £585,000 in the running costs of library services and contribute towards the council’s overall savings plan. This includes proposals to reduce opening hours.

“Research has shown that libraries are not well used at all times of the day. Therefore, in order to the lessen the impact, our proposals focus on reducing library opening hours at quieter times at evenings and weekends, ensuring that people have access to services across the county when they are most used.

“I would really encourage all residents who value their library to take part this survey.  Although closing libraries at quieter times will not alone achieve the level of savings required, the changes to opening hours proposed in this consultation will help maintain a comprehensive library service across the county.”

The review of library opening hours consultation is one of several library service reviews that have taken place over the past year, and is part of the wider work the council is undertaking with partner organisations and communities across Shropshire, to ensure libraries and other key face-to-face services continue to be delivered in sustainable and more cost effective ways.

Previous savings have already been made through a range of efficiency savings and improved operating arrangements. Whilst the transfer of libraries and customer services to community management arrangements is delivering further cost reductions, they are ensuring that libraries remain at the heart of their communities.

Seven of Shropshire’s libraries have already been transferred in this way so far, and work is underway to transfer others.

The proposals to changes of library opening hours do not affect libraries that have already transferred to alternative community management arrangements, or are being directly supported by local town and parish councils and other funding.

Michael Lewis, manager of Shropshire Council’s Library Services, added:

“As part of the longer term sustainable business model for the delivery of library services that is being developed by the council, further efficiencies are still required. Online developments mean that it is now easier to access a range of library services without actually visiting a library.

“Whilst the use of these remote services is increasing, there has generally been a corresponding reduction in the number of physical visits to libraries and in the use of library computers.

“The proposals for a reduction in library opening hours will deliver further savings, and reflects changing patterns of library usage and the way that people are accessing library services.

“The proposed review of opening times reflect these shifts in library use.”

To take part in the consultation go to the ‘Get Involved’ section on the Shropshire Council website and search for ‘Review of Library Opening Hours’. Click here for the consultation.

Alternatively, consultation documents are available at your local library.

Deadline for submissions is Wednesday 6 July 2016.

Further information

Funding for local government is reducing significantly. As a result, Shropshire Council needs to make ongoing savings of approximately £77 million by 2020/21.

Because of this we’re having to make some very tough choices affecting spending across all services, including libraries.

Over the past year, the council through its ‘Big Conversation’ have informed residents of the financial challenges ahead and have sought the views of the public to where the council should prioritise its diminishing budget.

Responses to the first phase of the Big Conversation have indicated that budget priorities should focus on vulnerable adults and children and education. Feedback also indicated that communities should take on delivering some services themselves in order to make savings and that greater partnership-working is needed to provide integrated services for the community.

Recent countywide trends for static libraries are shown below:

The overall decline in key measures reflects national trends.

Customer Service Point opening times are also likely to be affected by these proposals at Bridgnorth, Ludlow and Oswestry; a separate consultation on Customer Services opening times is planned.

Registrar opening times are unaffected by these proposals.