North Somerset libraries to close in efficiency drive
Three North Somerset libraries could be shut in a bid to help North Somerset Council balance its books.
The small village libraries at Congresbury, Backwell and Banwell are threatened with closure following a review by the authority.
A report to next Tuesday's meeting of the council's executive recommends a range of measures to save about £100,000 per year from its £2.6 million annual libraries budget.
The report, written by senior officials, said the council has to find efficiencies to meet an £18-million funding gap across the next two years.
It suggests seeing if there is an alternative means of providing libraries in these villages before they are closed for good.
The executive meets at Weston Town Hall at 2.30pm on Tuesday to debate the issue.
Comments
by Annette Hennessy, Portishead
Thursday, September 17 2009, 3:44PM
“"An alternative means of providing libraries" surely is another way of saying privatising yet another service! The introduction of self-service systems is on the way - staff watch out for your jobs. Does not bode well for Portishead which in an analysis of Section 106 deposits saw a balance of £71,690 as at 31 March 2008, this had increased to £235,632 at the end of March 2009 with an anticipated total receipt of £340,904 by March 2010. Most of this money set aside (and gaining interest) for a new library that has yet to be started despite being long overdue. Come on North Somerset - stop hoarding and start spending!”