Dear Customer,
Last week I wrote to you about Suffolk County Council’s (SCC) plans to take the library service back from our charity.
An online petition independently set up to oppose this move now has over 20,000 signatures – thank you to everyone who has shown their amazing support for Suffolk Libraries. You can also write to your county councillor or MP to let them know your views on the county's council's proposal.
Suffolk County Council has now published its Cabinet paper which provides more detail about the reasons for the proposal. It’s clear to us that the figures simply don’t add up so we’re really concerned that this decision is being taken for the wrong reasons.
We feel it’s important for the community to have sight of the full picture before it’s too late.
Our Chair Sylvia Knights has recorded this video which outlines our concerns and our questions for the county council which are also outlined in the table below
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They meet to decide today but I expect the decision has already been made. SCC own many of the library buildings - if they were to sell them off it would make SCC a lot of money. The silliest thing is we might not even have a Suffolk County Council in a few years - the government want to change some local authorities - AGAIN. They did this in 1974. LEAVE US ALONE is what I say!
Is Suffolk one of those on Rayner's hit list, with cancelled elections this year?
ReplyDeleteYes we are - and it's not what the population wants. We have no wish to join up with Norfolk to be ruled by a Mayor - which is one suggestion
DeleteI have come to your blog this morning having just read this article. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvg117gdky1o. Keep fighting Sue!
ReplyDeleteIt's so worrying for the staff and volunteers and everyone who uses libraries. The CIC, being a charity, can get money for groups that SCC won't get, then SCC will be able to say the library isn't being used enough - a reason for closure. I don't trust them not to waste money and sell off the buildings
DeleteHaving previously worked in local government I have no great faith in the consultation process. As you say, I think decisions are taken and only then is a nod given to local democracy. But councils don't like noise or adverse publicity, so hopefully all is not yet lost for your libraries.
ReplyDeleteEvery new council has new ideas, I'm sure they only change things so people can see them doing something - even if the original worked well
DeleteGood luck in your campaign. I hope, whatever happens, the libraries continue to thrive.
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed
DeleteIn Llandod, they have halved the space in the Museum and moved the Library into the bottom half of the building. So "selloffs' and cop-outs are happening everywhere. As you say, they will have made their mind up anyway, but I hope that the libraries don't suffer a widespread closure.
ReplyDeleteMy big worry is if they charge for reservations.
DeleteIt's the same here in Hampshire, if they take over and run it like they are running the council, we will be in huge trouble, they waste money and overspend, we still have library's but they are only open part time.
ReplyDeleteI've seen the money wasted when I worked for libraries when they were run by SCC - it's been working so well for the last 12 years with the Charity. Fingers crossed for SCC seeing sense
DeleteFrom reading your blog and learning about your library, the current quality of holdings and services seem to be ideal. It would be a shame to change this and end up with a lesser library.
ReplyDeleteWe are hoping that nothing changes but we'll see what happens
DeleteIt's all just so sad at the moment. Good people are struggling to keep things as they are, when they are working well and the powers that be are wanting to change to what they think will save them some money or make them some money, and b*gger the consequences to the actual people that use the services.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping they keep free reservations and once a month library van - it's all very unsettling
DeleteOh, I hope they leave your library alone, Sue. I treasure my library and am glad that it is valued in my city.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping we hear what happens at the meeting today. Fingers crossed it's good news
DeleteIt is irritating when things are changed for no good reason. I hope you get the answer you wish for.
ReplyDelete