Possible worrying news about our library service in Suffolk. Suffolk County Council want to take back the complete running of libraries after the 12 successful years of it being run by Suffolk Libraries IPS Ltd. In the 12 years - all libraries have stayed open, many have more hours open, volunteers have been a big part of the service, and libraries are being used for more events each week. Supposedly no agreement could be arrived at when discussions happened at the end of the CIC period ready for the next 12 years. I hope I'm not being cynical to say SCC have obviously seen how well things are going and can see a way that they might make extra money from libraries!
SCC say “The future of Suffolk’s 45 libraries will be in safe hands as part of our plans to protect and enhance the service".
We wait to see what happens. THIS is an open letter to Suffolk residents . According to our local councillor - some of the information given to SCC was wrong and therefore their plans based on this are misinformed.
Just hope they don't start charging for requests! Which reminds me..................Some book news - Ann Cleeves - author of the Vera and Shetland series of books is writing about Jimmy Perez again, but now he has moved to Orkney.....new TV series sometime perhaps?
I've had to pay for requests here in surrey for years. Now 75p a book! As a result I don't use the service much I just read what's available on the shelves.
ReplyDeleteHere in Dorset we have not had mobile libraries for years. I can’t see the Council paying all those volunteers a wage so I guess they will charge for requests and maybe computer use. The books in my local library are years old and the craft section appalling so you are better off without the Coincil I think. Sarah Browne
ReplyDeleteI must say I envy you the service you get from your library. There is a charge here. The library in Caistor is not easily accessible for me.
ReplyDeleteI use our BorrowBox online service here in Lancashire: it’s free and offers audio and ebooks. I like the audio as I listen while doing housework, cooking and knitting. Not the same as a physical book of course but it does offer newly published books often narrated by the authors. Hope your library service remains as it has been successful so far. Good luck !
ReplyDeleteAnne in Lancs
Norfolk is fortunate in having 47 libraries and 5 mobile libraries. It is run by the CC and appears to be working well. Although they did reduce the floorspace by 50% at our Dereham Branch, by turning the whole of the first floor into council offices. I understand your concerns Sue, and hope it works out OK.
ReplyDeleteThink the Council may find they don’t have as many volunteers as the CIC would. We have had library closures here and it’s been very difficult for people to access services when they have to travel. Catriona
ReplyDeleteTo reserve books in our library it costs £1.20 per book! Yet in other parts of Somerset it's free.
ReplyDeleteI bet you're right Sue, I guess they have seen how successful the library service is and have out a few ways to make more money for themselves. Oooh, it sounds like an Orkney v Shetland island/detective/murder battle coming up. I always loved the character Jimmy Perez.
ReplyDelete'Worked out a few ways'!!
DeleteIt sounds like the classic, oh,that looks easy! take, then they try it and find out. I doubt if volunteers will transfer to new ownership. It doesn't usually work that way.
ReplyDeleteIf a thing ain't broke, don't fix it . . . but councils are a law unto themselves and as you say, money is probably the motivator.
ReplyDeleteI'm lucky to have a very good library system in my city. It is paid for in part by our property taxes. We don't pay extra for requests. Our libraries are always popular and busy as they have lots of helpful programs and computer facilities as well as lots of books on shelves and online.
ReplyDeleteIt would be great to have a new Perez series in Orkney! I didn't like the latest Shetland series, it's getting too gory and dark for my taste now
ReplyDeletePenny
I heard that about Ann Cleeves. I loved that series so I hope to see more of Jimmy Perez on TV and in print! I hope all goes well with your library.
ReplyDeleteI hope the library services continue to work well for you. Some change is good but not always.
ReplyDeleteI was really interested to read about your library service the way it is operating. Let’s hope it continues. So nice to read that they have more events and are successful. We have a librarian at the library that I go to that is really enthusiastic and holds interesting events, and it always feels like such a welcoming place. Jean in Winnipeg
ReplyDeleteKirklees have their eyes on the value of the buildings.
ReplyDeleteI do hope your library continues to service all at no charge. Ohhhh, a new Ann Cleeves how exciting.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
I am a member of Suffolk library by virtue that we had a holiday caravan. As such I get the monthly newsletter. When comparing the non-book side, Suffolk to Essex libraries (my home library) ,Suffolk outstrips Essex by a mile. There may be pledges to keep them open but Essex have made cash by selling the old site to developers and downsizing by half to a place formerly a bank branch that (don't start me on that!!). They have taken the view that we go online to reserve so nobody needs a big building. Beware! Resist SCC.
ReplyDeleteWhy mess with something that works? Grrrr. Libraries are such an important part of the community. They definitely aren't a service that should be cut at all!
ReplyDelete