Have your say on Rotherham libraries

Date: 21/08/2012. Story submitted by: Lynn Hall

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Got a view on how Rotherham’s library and information services are run in the future?

If so, there’s still time to have a say.

Drop in consultations have now ended, but Rotherham folk can still put their points forward either online or at their local library where consultations will not finish until the end of the month.

The proposals for the future of the service have been published and would see a continuation of the council’s ambitious programme of library service modernisation, which has included the introduction of self-service; investment in mobile libraries and the opening of six new library buildings in six years since 2007.

The council will also continue its commitment to providing a library within two miles of every resident, with a range of opening hours to suit local need.

As a result of the assessment, current opening times will be varied to reflect the extent and ways in which library buildings are currently used, and Rotherham's two least-used library buildings are put forward for closure, along with alternative ways of meeting the needs of the local community.

Under the proposed changes, weekly opening hours would increase in five of Rotherham's most-used libraries - Riverside House in the town centre, Aston, Mowbray Gardens, Wath and Rawmarsh.

Minor changes will be made at Brinsworth, Dinnington and Thurcroft libraries, where opening hours will reduce by just 30 minutes each week. More significant reductions will be made in Greasbrough (40 to 32 hours each week), Kiveton Park (35.5 to 32), Maltby (50 to 40), Swinton (44 to 40) and Wickersley (45 to 40).

Rotherham's two least-used library buildings, Kimberworth and Kimberworth Park, each with just over 600 active borrowers, are proposed for closure, with a recommendation that additional mobile library services are provided.

Subject to the outcomes of the consultation, the proposed changes could result in efficiency savings of around £500,000.

Other recommendations include reducing the amount of money spent on materials; savings on staff costs by changing the way in which services are delivered, and improved use of new technology.

Information about the proposals is available at all local libraries where people can also complete consultation response forms. The consultation documents and online forms are available on the Rotherham Libraries homepage - website link below.

Additional info

Address: main street Rotherham S60 1QY

Tags: Rotherham, council, libraries, consultation, view, Kimberworth

Web link: http://www.rotherham.gov.uk/libraries