WORRIED protestors today demonstrated outside Warrington’s Central Library – the first publicly-funded library in the country.
The protest stemmed from fears the library might close as part of proposals to change the borough’s library service in line with changed patterns in the use of libraries over the last five years.
Depending on the outcome of a wide-ranging consultation process, some libraries could close because of an average 32 per cent fall in visits to libraries over the past six years.
The central library would be replaced with lending facilities at a wellbeing hub in Golden Square.
But as the demonstration went on, a spokesperson for library operator LiveWire said: “Warrington Central Library is not being closed. The plans are to move it to a new location in the centre of town – less than a five minute walk from where it is now. This will make the library more visible and more accessible for a larger number of people.
“We are very proud of having the first publicly funded library and as well as moving the existing library, this means we can better celebrate the borough’s heritage by working with Culture Warrington to create a heritage hub within the current library space. There will also be a reference library that remains in the original building as well as access to computers, just as we have now.
“In relation to other libraries across the borough, we have simply released proposals for consultation. Nothing is set in stone and we are inviting public feedback.
“However, it is vital that we discuss the future of our libraries, as the way they are being used is changing significantly against a backdrop of wider central government cuts. We need to respond to this and examine the options.”
Demonstrators outside Warrington's central library in September
Demonstration outside Warrington’s town centre library
55 Comments
5 Comments
In the interests of balance, perhaps you could have interviewed some of the protesters and got their perspective, instead of just giving the council rep’s statement.
Thankfully they do have the opportunity via this comments section to make the points that they want to….indeed in effect they could publish an article as a comment, and I would certainly encourage them to do that, as I know would Warrington Worldwide.
Firstly can I point out that it was not a council rep- it was the feedback from LiveWire, who run the libraries. The council are the ones enforcing the cuts in the service.
Secondly can I point out that we have carried various articles over the issue of cuts and possible library closures, trying to give as balanced and accurate a view as possible.
We have not made up headlines about libraries closing as nothing has been decided yet.
As Paul points out comments from all sides can be added to our articles.
One also wonders why organisers of the protest chose a Friday afternoon, at relatively short notice, when many people, including myself couldn’t attend due to previous commitments?
No one who reads WW can say this library issue has not been well and even handedly covered, as a quick glance over these past weeks’ editions will prove.
Thank you – we are here to provide as balanced a view as possible without misleading headlines putting fear into people that make it look like every library is going to close !