Council: Library service needs to be modernised

Calendar
Saturday 16 November 2013 at 4:34pm

Barnsley Central Library Credit: ITV News Calendar

Barnsley Council has issued the following statement over the proposed closure of the town's Central Library:

We would encourage anyone interested in the relocation of the central library to make their views known through the council’s consultation process which, in light of feedback from the public, has been extended by a further four weeks to midnight on 31 December. It can be completed online and is easily accessible via the welcome page of our website http://www.barnsley.gov.uk/ Alternatively library users can pick up a paper copy at any of our libraries. People are also invited to join councillors and officers at either of two sessions to hear more about the proposals at the central library on Thursday 21 November (5pm to 7pm), and Monday 25 November (12noon to 2pm). The relocation is a key part of our strategy to modernise the current library service while maintaining all our library buildings in the face of severe financial pressures. The redevelopment of the Shambles Street site through the construction of a new Sixth Form by Barnsley College will also enhance the town centre, following the successful redevelopment of the adjacent town hall – increasing footfall, helping to increase spend locally and thereby improving the town's economy. We would add that the temporary closure of the central library at Shambles Street next spring will be kept to a minimum period as equipment is relocated to Wellington House. In the longer term, the council is considering a more sustainable town centre location for the central library which will improve further the service offered to our customers. We look forward to receiving library users’ views during the ongoing consultation process.