News of cut in library hours sparks local concern

* Llangollen library in Castle Street could have its hours reduced.

News that the county council is planning to reduce the opening hours of libraries across Denbighshire - including Llangollen - has caused local concern.

Earlier this week llanblogger reported that as part of its response to upcoming financial pressures, the county council had asked its services to identify and propose potential savings.

The council says it will have a funding deficit during the coming financial year and, like local authorities across Wales, will need to find significant savings to ensure it can continue to deliver its essential services.

Officers are therefore proposing a specific reduction to its Library/One Stop Shop Service to help meet this funding gap. 

The proposal put forward is a 50% reduction in opening hours across Denbighshire’s Library Service.

All Libraries will remain partially open so that services can continue to be available for residents, albeit at a reduced rate. Also included are proposals to reduce other elements of the service, such as the Home Library Service.

The proposal aims to ensure that access to a library is available geographically across the county each weekday. 

Therefore, libraries which are fairly close together, namely Ruthin and Denbigh, Llangollen and Corwen, St Asaph and Rhuddlan, and Prestatyn and Rhyl, will complement each other’s service by ensuring one is open for at least part of each day.

The proposal is currently out to consultation until Monday, October 30 and members of the public are being invited to have their say either through the council’s consultation portal, County Conversation, at https://countyconversation.denbighshire.gov.uk/project/755, or they can submit hard copy responses in any council-run library in Denbighshire.

In Llangollen there has been a chorus of concern about the proposal on local Facebook pages.

One post says: "What a shame that they are thinking of closing the Library on a Saturday when quite possibly the only day some people will get to the visit it due to working or other commitments, especially taking children there, a lot of children spend more time on their screens then looking at books, a Library gives them this for free!"

Another says: "It is shocking that they are proposing reduced hours that will mean local children can’t access a library in term time and anyone who works 9-5 in the week can’t access the library at all! An important warm central community space where people can access books and computers becomes inaccessible for many of the people in the town."

A related post says: "Typical DCC chosen times that most people including children can't use will end up closing next as nobody will be using it."

A further post reads: "I thought most libraries were opening up allowing the elderly and vulnerable to have a warm place to sit instead of using their heating at home - or maybe that was just last year as they seem to be doing the opposite and just as the colder weather will be arriving!"  

Llangollen county councillor Karen Edwards said: "I encourage people to have their say on this issue by completing the consultation document online or at the local library.

"Residents can also email me direct at Karen.Edwards@denbighshire.gov.uk, or ring me on my council phone number of 07795 652188. My next advice surgery is on October 25, from 2-4.30pm, at the town council office."

Speaking to the Daily Post, the county council's Independent group leader Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts said the proposals will hit the most vulnerable if they go ahead. 

"I'm perplexed how this library cut has come after a series of budget meetings," he said.

"I'm surprised that the Labour/Plaid coalition have issued a consultation without engaging with all members. Libraries are key services for vulnerable people, students, children and people in education.

"We just feel, as a group of independent councillors, we've not been given the data that's why they’ve arrived at this decision. I can't even tell you who uses the library right now because we haven't been privy to that information.

"This decision to take it to consultation without engaging with councillors is just a total new way of working. Libraries are used for well-being.

"People who haven't got bank accounts use it for paying bills and council tax and rent, and also, over the summer, children take part in book campaigns and engage. Obviously people can keep warm, but it's also about the services on offer at the library.

"It isn't just about books. It's about computer access, being able to photocopy documents, and some students rely on the library for access to a computer for their education." He added: "It is ironic that they've launched this consultation during national Libraries Week."

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