News / Bristol Libraries
‘We need a reformed library service that matches the aspirations of Bristol’
Bristol needs a reformed, modernised library service that matches the aspirations of the city, says the deputy mayor.
Asher Craig set out her ambition to create a sustainable model with digital inclusion at its heart, that is fit for the 21st century and relevant to wider sections of the community, at a cabinet meeting in City Hall on Tuesday.
She confirmed that all of the city’s 27 libraries will remain open, with no changes to existing opening hours, staff levels, or budgets until at least 2020.
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This follows a council u-turn on cost-cutting proposals that would have seen 17 libraries close – but Craig has made no secret of the fact that community involvement is needed to ensure the long-term future of the service.
Asher Craig says the council recognises the value of libraries in communities
“We recognise the valuable role libraries play in their communities,” said Craig.
“We have an ambition to widen the role of libraries and develop community resource hubs that appeal to a wider audience and buck the local, and also the national, trend of declining library usage in some of our communities.”
She acknowledged and thanked the 16 community groups – many from the most disadvantaged areas of the city – that put forward proposals as part of the consultation on the future of libraries and said the work will not be lost as the council seeks to develop these further.
The mayor’s surprise announcement that all of Bristol’s libraries are to be saved has been largely welcomed by campaigners who fought tirelessly to keep them open.
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Judith Brown of Bristol Older People’s Forum congratulated mayor Marvin Rees for listening and said the news must be welcomed by all – including those using computers to research jobs, every child from a noisy household doing their homework in peace and quiet, students and more.
Opposition councillors also welcomed the reprieve, but voiced concerns about the long-term future of libraries.
Wick Road Library in Brislington was one of the 17 threatened by funding cuts
Jos Clark, Lib Dem councillor for Brislington West, said a number of unanswered questions remain and called for the council to offer reassurance to communities that their libraries will be safe beyond the next election in 2020.
Speaking on behalf of the libraries task group, Anthony Negus, leader of the Lib Dem group, welcomed the commitment until 2020 and stressed that it’s important to use the time wisely.
“We need to ensure that in two years time, we still have a full library service, rather than just a stay of execution.
“We are all up for modernisation, because for libraries to work they need to be embedded in our communities and we need to improve footfall – lets come up with a lasting solution for two years time.”
Following the revelation that Banksy has offered to lend his support to safeguard Bristol’s libraries, Craig said the council has had a few offers from potential investors, partners and groups that they will be exploring.
“We want the service to develop and match the aspirations of the city,” she said. “Digital inclusion will be at the heart of our modernisation strategy. Expectations of libraries have evolved and if they are to represent value for money to all our residents, they must become relevant to a wider section of the community and help people to develop the life skills and education they need to thrive.”
She acknowledged that libraries would not exist without the traditional purpose of lending books and said the challenge is to balance the expectations of traditional library users with the diverse needs and expectations of communities as a whole.
Rees thanked Craig for her work and commitment to libraries.
A report will go to cabinet in October, detailing how the council will work with communities and develop a library service that is financially sound and fit for the 21st century. Craig said that no model will be ruled out, except for privatisation.
Read more: Banksy’s offer to help bankroll Bristol’s libraries
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