Southwark's libraries 'here to stay'

Bookworms living in flats to rent in Southwark may be excited to hear that all of Sutton's libraries are to remain open, despite deep cuts in government funding.

A report published by the local council - following a five-month review into the subject - concluded that none of the 12 existing facilities need to close.

Instead, bosses have identified £397,000 worth of savings which will be made between 2012 and 2014.

These will include recruiting more volunteers, sharing library services with other boroughs and sharing space with other council departments, as well as reducing opening hours at smaller venues.

Councillor Veronica Ward, cabinet member for culture, leisure, sport and the Olympics at Southwark Council, said: "Libraries are a vital part of the community and a key service for our residents. They support learning and opportunity, open doors to work, are about enjoyment, information finding, thinking and reading. In short, they help people realise their potential."

According to the council, there was a 14 per cent increase in library visitors last year compared with the previous 12 months, while the number of items issued in the borough's libraries was 1.39 million, an increase of nine per cent.

Posted by Chris Price

Published 11th October, 2011

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