Telford libraries switch-over will be 'seamless'
A reorganisation of libraries in Telford will lead to a "seamless service" for users, it was claimed today.
Councillor Liz Clare, Telford & Wrekin Council's cabinet member for libraries, said the new plans would see six previously under-threat libraries saved from the axe and an efficient service introduced.
She also thanked town and parish councils ahead of consideration of the plans at a cabinet meeting next week.
However, the council's mobile library service will still end from March 31 next year.
She said: "This all started with our original budget proposals back in January which included the closure of six of our nine libraries as we strove to make £30million worth of savings over two years.
"However, I would like to say a massive thank you to partners, namely Great Dawley Town Council, Stirchley & Brookside Parish Council, Hadley & Leegomery Parish Council, Hadley Learning Community and Donnington & Muxton Parish Council, for stepping forward to save their respective libraries and to Newport Town Council for contributing money for the book purchasing fund to help maintain book stock at Newport Library.
"Working in partnership has meant that the council can carry on running and operating Newport and Madeley libraries.
"None of our libraries will close which is a great result for the whole community. The only thing that will end is the mobile library service.
"The council will continue to provide hands-on support to the new community lead libraries by allowing access to use of the council's ICT library loan system, help to decide on refreshing book stock, provision of new books and support for training volunteers.
"This joined-up approach also means that residents can return and borrow books from either a council-run or community lead libraries and so will provide a seamless service to our customers despite the changes being introduced in order to make savings following cuts in government funding for Telford & Wrekin Council."
The plans are set for approval next week, and will see three of six under-threat libraries – Donnington, Dawley and Stirchley – run by town or parish councils.
Southwater and Wellington will also continue to be run by the Council. In Oakengates, the library will also be run by the council as it is part of Oakengates Theatre with some revised changes to opening hours. Oakengates Town Council has also agreed to fund the opening of the library on Saturday mornings.
Telford & Wrekin Council's cabinet will meet on Thursday.
