A period of 30 minutes has been set aside for members of the public to ask questions on matters set out on the agenda for tonight’s meeting.
Minutes:
· Nicole Haydock, asked when the library users would be notified of what would happen?
It was explained that library users had been consulted in relation to the service provision and the proposals that had been put forward had come from the outcome of the consultations. The legal process would have to be signed off in relation to the library offer before the future of the library buildings could be considered.
· Gary Hardman referred to the consultation that had taken place and stated that those library users that had taken part had thought that the options would not affect the smaller community libraries and were only looking at the larger library provision across the borough.
· Councillor Walker asked whether the Overview and Scrutiny Committee would consider looking at the use and attendance of the sculpture centre since it had been opened in what used to be part of Bury Central Library.
· A representative from Friends of Tottington Library explained that at the last Cabinet meeting the group had been told that they could take over the running of Tottington Library and asked whether the Council would support them with this.
Councillor Briggs explained that the Council would support a group wanting to take over a library building but work would have to be done to provide a business case that was viable and at no cost to the Council.
· Mr Hardman referred to the library facilities being retained at central locations and stated that he thought that the Council was supporting neighbourhood working. Mr Hardman stated that a lot of neighbourhood services were provided in the libraries and these would be lost.
Councillor Briggs explained that the Council was committed to neighbourhood working but also needed to look at what was financially achievable. The Council do not have the finances to keep the smaller libraries open as it isn’t cost effective.
· RaufSaad, a pupil from Whitefield explained that he was due to start at Philips High School in September and was concerned that as a member and user of Whitefield Library he would not be able to go to the library to do his homework. Rauf explained that he and his sister use Whitefield Library regularly as it is close to home and easily accessible. They feel privileged to be able to go there. If this facility were to close it would be taking away the privilege from a lot of other users aswell.
Klare Rufo, Assistant Director – Learning and Culture explained that the Council would work to ensure that library facilities available in high schools were fit for purpose and places that students want to go.
Klare also explained that the smaller libraries provide services to only 6% of the registered library users. The 4 library option allows over 90% (98% actually) can access a library within 30 mins.
· Ms Harvey stated that she was registered at Prestwich Library but used other libraries. If this was the case for a number of residents it may have flawed the figures.
Klare explained that the data used looked both at where people were registered and where they lived.
· A member of the public referred to the consultation and asked how thorough the consultation exercises had been and what publicity had been undertaken to promote them.
It was explained that there had been 10,000 paper surveys distributed to libraries, public buildings, community organisations, local businesses, schools and colleges; there had been an online survey available on the Council website; telephone survey to 500 households; publicity campaign including posters, social media and press reports and, informal meetings with community groups and other users as requested.
· Nicole Haydock asked what would happen to the buildings if the proposals go ahead as it would be a shame to lose vital community assets.
Councillor Briggs explained that each building would have to be looked at individually depending on what proposals were put forward.
· A member of Friends of Tottington Library asked whether the Council would strip the buildings of shelving, desks etc if the buildings were taken over by community groups.
It was explained that all of the books etc across the libraries would be split between the 4 remaining libraries to ensure that the remaining statutory service was the best service possible