Liberal Democrats Welcome County's Libraries Saved (Wantage and Didcot Liberal Democrats)

Wantage and Didcot Liberal Democrats <info@wantagelibdems.org.uk>

Liberal Democrats Welcome County's Libraries Saved

January 1, 2012 7:16 PM
Originally published by Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats

Oxfordshire Liberal Democrats have welcomed the County Council's Cabinet decision to save all 43 of the County's libraries.

One year ago at the time of the budget debate when the intention of the Cabinet was to end funding for 20 libraries, Cllr. John Goddard, Liberal Democrat spokesman for libraries said:

"In 2011 a good library is a social centre where people of all ages and all sorts go for their stimulus to read, to view and to learn. Wider horizons are explored and life can be made better. Libraries and the activities they promote are a mark of civilisation."

"The law requires every library authority to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service. These proposals are in breach of the law; they are intensely unpopular and they are not necessary even in the present dire financial circumstances."

Eleven months later, after a sustained campaign by the public fully supported by Liberal Democrats, Cllr. Goddard was able to say:

"Today the county's libraries have been saved. No closures. All 43 libraries will stay open. 21 will have all their costs met by the council. The remaining 22 will have 81% of their costs met by the council. These 22 will be part staffed by volunteers, properly trained and supported by the county's professional library staff. A modest saving on the library budget can be achieved, as it should be: libraries cannot be exempt from savings."

Leader of the Opposition, Cllr. Zoé Patrick said "Liberal Democrats in Oxfordshire have been working closely with Friends of Library groups and their communities in the hope that a solution could be found. We know that we are in difficult times, but it is even more important in these circumstances that our libraries remain open. They are seen as a focal point where residents can go to use the internet, browse for books and socialise with others. We are pleased that this consultation process has shown how important and valued our local library services are."