Changes to library service proposed

CHANGES are being proposed to how North Somerset's library service is run in an attempt to save nearly £350,000 over the next three years.

The cash strapped authority, tasked with saving £47.3 million, is to start consultation with library staff and local residents about the changes which will save the council £347,000 over the next three years.

A review of the library service has been conducted which is recommending the use of self service terminals in most libraries by the summer.

Libraries will also see new opening hours and staffing levels reduced, with local people being asked to step in and fill the gap.

Some libraries will be open longer, including Sunday opening, whereas others will stay the same and some will see their opening hours reduced.

It is hoped that the reduction in staff levels will be carried out through not filling vacant positions and staff offering to change their hours or to take voluntary redundancy.

It is hoped that there will be few, if any, compulsory redundancies.

Consultation over the proposed future shape of library services is to take place with staff and the wider community over the next few weeks.

The council says it is its intention to continue to provide library services in communities which already received them, to invest in services where it can and not to close libraries.. 

Despite the severe budget pressures on the service, investment in libraries is still taking place. Last year a new state-of-the-art library opened in Portishead and the new Weston-super-Mare Library – which will be based in the remodelled Town Hall - will open next year.

North Somerset Council executive member for libraries, Councillor Felicity Baker, said: "Although we face severe financial pressures, our proposals seek to keep services and not to close libraries as other councils have proposed. 

"In recent years we have also seen a significant increase in the number of customers choosing to renew and reserve books, at their convenience, by using our online service, approximately 150,000 online visits each year.

"We want to continue to provide library services to communities that currently get them.

"For us to do this we are proposing some changes to opening hours and different ways of working, but this is better than closing libraries completely."

Library staff across the district were given the consultation document and have been briefed on the changes.

Meetings with the unions have taken place and will continue to do so during the consultation process.

The council will also be asking for the public's views on the proposed opening hours and changes to the service.

People can have their say from January 16 and comments forms will be available at libraries and people can also email libraryreview2012@n-somerset.gov.uk.