News / Politics
All libraries saved – except Eastville
Six out of seven libraries earmarked for closure will be saved under new proposals.
Council officers revealed alternative proposals after the mayor announced the services were under review to save £1.1 million.
Proposals released after an extended consultation suggest keeping 27 libraries in the city open on reduced hours and closing Eastville Library with a view to relocate it elsewhere.
is needed now More than ever
The council said it now wants to save only £465,000 on library spending, with £635,000 of savings to be made elsewhere in the budget.
Libraries will open for a minimum of 20 hours per week, under the plans which will go before cabinet on Tuesday, September 1.
The new proposals were presented at a Neighbourhood Scrutiny meeting on Friday. Chariman of the committee Antony Negus, Lib Dem, welcomed the “u-turn” by Ferguson.
The Green Party hailed the move as a success for cabinet member Daniela Radice, who said: “The Green Party recognises that libraries are some of our most important community assets. They are a symbol of our commitment to free learning and access to knowledge in the city.”
The mayor said: “I am pleased that viable alternatives have been set out for consideration by the cabinet to potential closures, and will consider all options carefully before I make the final decision at cabinet,” .
He added that Bristol has the most libraries per person of any major city in the UK and must still find a way to make them sustainable.
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