Consultation to take place on changes to library opening times
Residents and library users will have the chance to help decide on changes to library opening times under plans to ensure Hackney’s libraries remain open in the face of the major financial challenges faced by the Council.
Later this month, a consultation will begin on plans that will ensure all eight Council-managed libraries in Hackney remain open and every resident continues to have access to a good, modern library close to where they live – despite a 15% reduction in funding being agreed to help the Council balance its books.
The consultation will seek views on different options for reduced opening hours across some of these libraries. These are informed by current visitor numbers at different libraries and at different times, as well as where services are needed most in the borough.
“In a small borough, we are proud to still have eight council-managed libraries and a mobile Community Library Service, giving every Hackney resident an excellent library close to where they live at a time when services like these have been cut up and down the country.
“We are also investing, with work now taking place on a major transformation of Hackney Central Library and a much-needed refurbishment of the historic Stoke Newington Library building.
“But with the Council being forced to find large savings year-on-year and every service we offer under financial pressure, we are honest about the steps we need to take to keep these eight libraries operating.
“As a necessary measure towards achieving the £25 million in overall savings identified during last year's budget setting process, we are proposing to reduce library opening hours. Your feedback on these proposals is crucial and will help us make final decisions that are fair, balanced, and reflect the needs of our community.
“By hearing from those who use them, we are confident we can find the right approach that minimises the impact of reduced hours and means our libraries continue to provide their vital services to our communities.”
Cllr Chris Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care, Voluntary Sector and Culture
The consultation, setting out the proposals in full and opportunities to shape the changes, will launch on 28 October. To be kept informed, subscribe to Hackney News.