ALL library services in Warrington are currently under review as opposition Lib Dem Cllrs. on Warrington Borough Council issued a “Save our Libraries” rally cry.
The Liberal Democrat group has issued a statement warning that Warrington’s libraries must not be hollowed out following concerns about proposed cuts to the borough’s library service.
Speaking during the budget debate at Full Council recently, Cllr Sharon Harris said that while libraries are valued community spaces, they cannot simply be turned into community centres run by volunteers.
Westbrook Library was recently under threat of closure to save money but after a successful campaign by local residents, is now run by volunteers, supported by LiveWire libraries.
Cllr Harris said, “Libraries are vital community spaces that provide access to knowledge, learning and professional support. But they are not community centres. A library service relies on trained librarians whose skills help residents access information, develop literacy and support education.”
Her comments come amid fears that significant cuts to the library budget could lead to a model where council-run services are replaced with volunteer-led facilities.
The Liberal Democrats say that replacing professional staff with volunteers risks hollowing out the service and reducing what libraries can offer residents.
Cllr Harris added: “Volunteers play an important role in supporting local services, but they should not be used as a substitute for trained librarians. If we lose that professional expertise, we lose the very heart of what a library is.
“We have previously campaigned to protect library services in Warrington. In 2017, residents successfully fought proposals to close local libraries. I was Chair of the Working Group that saved Stockton Heath Library at that time. If the council attempts to weaken or effectively close libraries again, the Liberal Democrats will stand with residents and fight to protect them. Any residents who feel passionately about this, please feel free to contact me CllrSharon.Harris@warrington.gov.uk.”
Councillor Jean Flaherty, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Heritage, commented: “As the council faces the realities of implementing the savings necessary to deliver a balanced budget and live within our means, all our services are under review.
“We all value our library services and the importance of the professional librarians in delivering that service to our residents. What is under consideration is how we deliver a better service to our residents within the budget available to us.
“Where community involvement is appropriate and available, we will work together in partnership with volunteers to provide the very best service within the budget available to us.”
