COUNCIL chiefs could be set to step in with a funding lifeline of £157,000 a year to keep libraries in St John’s and Warndon open following protests against their proposed axing.
Members of Worcester City Council’s policy and resources committee will meet this week to debate proposals for a six figure sum to be ear-marked to cover the operating costs of both sites.
The cash injection would ensure the current offering at both venues would be retained with a vow to grow the services offered to the local community, according to a report seen by the Observer.
Worcestershire County Council sparked controversy in the autumn when it revealed a consultation on the future of the county’s libraries in a bid to slash almost £1million a year from its budget.
The move saw protests against the proposals erupt with local residents demanding the sites be kept open through alternatives sources rather than being closed for good.
In a report to councillors, officers revealed: “The consultation did not propose St Johns and Warndon libraries maintain their current level of service provision, instead indicating that one of the following options should be considered at both sites; reduce opening hours, implement open library and extend opening hours, a new co-location or a new community library.”
“Libraries are an important source of information and education for our communities but more so library buildings can and very often do act as community hubs that deliver a range of service both informal and formal for example baby and toddler groups, coffee mornings, advice surgeries, health checks.
“Ahead of the consultation outcome it’s important we as a district council and who have an active interest in supporting our communities to be stronger and more connected, invest in maintaining the existing level of service provision at both sites,” the report added.
Money from the council’s £250,000 set aside for supporting closer cross-tier collaborative working with the County Council will be used to cover the annual operating costs of St Johns and Warndon libraries.
“Subject to approval of this report it is intended to work with colleagues from Worcestershire County Council to explore opportunities to grow the service offer from these two sites and look at how the sites could be better utilised,” the report added.
Councillors have been warned doing ‘little or nothing’ was not an option.
“The council recognises the ongoing provision of local library services and the potential growth of other services out of these sites is an important contributor to the health and wellbeing of residents and our communities,” the report added.
