Consultation begins on new proposals for libraries

Residents are being asked for their views on plans to modernise and remodel Bury’s libraries.

The proposals, which were agreed by the council’s cabinet last night (Wednesday 10 April), mean that all Bury’s libraries would remain and a series of community hubs created.

Consultation will start today (Thursday 11 April) and last for six weeks until 24 May, and include a series of public “roadshows”, before a further report is brought back to cabinet in June.

The goal is to create a modern, sustainable library service to meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s residents, while making greater use of facilities such as the borough’s civic halls.

Community hubs aim to be a welcoming and accessible place where all members of the community can access a range of services, from education and cultural activities to health and well-being and community gatherings. This should provide better services and ensure that they represent good value for money.

There are no proposals to close libraries, or reduce opening hours, and the service will continue to be run by Bury Council with access to books and a wide range of resources.

The proposals are to remodel services at four libraries:

* Radcliffe Library – this would be relocated from its current location on Stand Lane to a remodelled Radcliffe Civic Suite in the town centre for development as a community hub. The Charter Room, foyer and rest room space will be remodelled to create a library space. Adult Care Services Learning Disability Day Services would also use some space alongside the civic hall functions. The large and small halls will remain intact.

* Prestwich Library – it is proposed to retain library services within the current library building and enable space to be made available to Adult Care Services Learning Disability Day Services. The library will be re-modelled to provide a new open plan library that will continue to offer all existing services, but within a reduced space as part of a community hub.

* Whitefield Library – it is proposed that a section of the current Whitefield Library building will be used by Adult Care Services Learning Disability Day Services. The Sensory Impairment Unit will be maintained at the site, but moved to a different area of the building with direct access from the rear entrance.

* Unsworth Library – this would remain on Sunny Bank Road but be relocated to Sunny Bank Community Centre, currently used by Adult Care Services, to develop a community hub. It is proposed to extend the community centre building to provide a new library space, and the Council Information Point would move to Whitefield Library.

Councillor Jane Lewis, cabinet member for leisure, tourism and culture, said: “Many councils have had to close libraries, butthese proposals, if approved, mean that we can keep all 17 of the council’s libraries open, modernise services for communities, improve access to a range of services for all users, and achieve the reduction target agreed in the Plan for Change.

“In this climate of austerity, it is essential that our library service modernises and develops innovative ways to maintain its relevance to individuals and communities. This includes embracing new technologies such as e-books and online information, the expansion of self-service technology, and co-location of services that act as community hubs.

“I urge residents and library users to read the proposals and give us your thoughts by 24 May.”

Consultation: You can make your views known in several ways:

* Attend a roadshow:

Wednesday 17 April, at Bury Library (5.30-7.30pm)

Thursday 18 April, at Whitefield Library (5.30-7.30pm)

Friday 19 April, at Ramsbottom Library (5.30-7.30pm)

Monday 22 April, at Radcliffe Library (10am-noon)

Wednesday 24 April, at Prestwich Library  (10am-noon)

Thursday 25 April, at Unsworth Library (10am-noon)

Thursday 25 April, at Tottington Library (2-4pm).

* Fill in a questionnaire – this is available at libraries online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/phase2libraryservicereview

More information about the proposals can be viewed at www.bury.gov.uk/libraryservicereview

Alternatively, pick up a questionnaire at your local library.

* Write to: Plan for Change , Bury Council, Town Hall, Knowsley Street, Bury, BL9 0SW

* Email: burylibrariesreview@bury.gov.uk

* Phone: 0161 253 7931.

ENDS

Press release issued: 11 April 2013.