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Reading libraries: have your say in second consultation

Shorter hours  and some different buildings, but there are no plans to close down any of Reading's libraries

Reading Central Library

The second phase of a two-part consultation on proposals for future library services in Reading has begun.

A series of drop-in sessions have been arranged by Reading Borough Council across the area to allow people to find out more about the proposals.

They will be held on:

  • Tuesday, March 1, 9am to noon at Battle Library in West Reading
  • Thursday, March 3, 4pm to 7pm in Southcote Community Centre
  • Thursday, March 10, 10am to1pm at Whitley Library
  • Thursday, March 17, 9am to noon in Southcote Library
  • Tuesday, March 29, 4pm to 7pm in South Reading Youth and Community Centre
  • Tuesday, April 5, 4pm to7pm at Battle Library

The public consultation runs for 12 weeks and asks people living in the borough and library users for feedback on a set of proposals.

All seven branches stay open, but all would see open hours reduced to make savings.

In some cases library services would be delivered from different buildings.

The review has been started in response to swingeing cuts forced on the council by central government.

No decisions have yet been made on the future of library services. Responses to Phase 2 of the consultation process will be considered before final decisions are made in the summer.

People can read the full consultation document and have their say at www.reading.gov.uk/libraryreview.

The closing date is Monday, May 16.

Latest estimates are that the council in Reading needs to find another £51 million in savings over the next three years, and more than £18 million in 16/17 alone.

£65 million worth of savings have already been made since 2011.

What is your view? Comment below

Councillor Paul Gittings, lead member for culture and sport, said:

“People who use libraries continue to value them, but severe cuts in Government funding means many councils - including some close to home - have been forced to consider shutting down branches to make savings .

“In Reading we have done everything we can to avoid doing that by making the best possible use of limited resources.

“The set of proposals being consulted on mean all seven local library services in Reading would continue to be provided, but they would be delivered differently.

“In the case of Southcote and Whitley for example, existing library services would be provided from other buildings, and in Southcote’s case that would be from the nearby community centre which would be extended to include a library service.

“In all cases, local libraries would have their opening hours cut, but we are determined to do that in that in line with public use.

“A key part of achieving that is by looking closely at the feedback we get from the consultation process.

“I would urge everyone who uses their local library - whether regularly or just occasionally – to take some time to read the proposals in detail and take part in this important consultation.”

Proposals include:

  • Central Library - reduce opening hours to 46.5 hours a week (a reduction of six hours)
  • Caversham Library - reduce opening hours to 35 hours a week (a reduction of 15.5 hours)
  • Battle Library - making it a community hub to allow access to community groups outside of opening hours, but reducing opening hours to 28 hours a week (a reduction of 11.5 hours)
  • Southcote Library - relocated to the nearby community centre, extended to become a community hub with a local library service while reducing library opening to 20 hours a week (a reduction of 13.5 hours)
  • Whitley Library - relocated to South Reading Youth and Community Centre to create a community hub while reducing library opening hours to 20 hours a week (a reduction of 14.5 hour)
  • Tilehurst Library - look at ways to increase the community use while reducing opening hours to 28 hours a week (a cut of 14 hour)
  • Palmer Park Library - look at ways to share use of the existing library building or to provide a smaller neighbourhood library service from an alternative existing location in East Reading while reducing opening hours to 20 hours a week (a cut of more than half by 21.5 hours)

Under the proposals the council would also explore opportunities to widen take-up of the borough’s Toy Library, currently in Southcote Library, to benefit the whole of Reading and further develop the use of technology, including self-service technology.

The consultation document can be found at www.reading.gov.uk/libraryreview and people can have their say online.

Hard copies of the consultation document are also being distributed to local libraries, relevant community centres and the Civic Offices in West Street.

People who prefer to write in with comments can email: libraryreview@reading.gov.uk or write to the following address: Library Review Phase 2, Reading Borough Council, Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading, RG1 2LU.

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