Library serving Walton on Thames faces uncertain future
By MIKENEWS | Tuesday, September 20, 2011, 12:02
A library serving Walton on Thames and the surrounding area could be closed if volunteers don't come forward to run it.
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Surrey County Council wants volunteers to run many of its libraries, including Hersham which is used by people from across the area, such as Walton on Thames
The latest plans announced by Surrey County Council puts Hersham Library in the firing line. Previously ten other libraries were put forward for the community partnerships – a scheme were the council continues to provide the building and books but professional staff are replaced with volunteers.
However, if volunteers can't be found, the libraries will close.
David Hodge, Deputy Leader of Surrey County Council, said: "Our aim is to keep all of Surrey's 52 libraries open but we need residents' help to achieve this. Our plans mean we can focus resources on continuing to run more popular libraries while investing in the latest technologies to make them better.
"Community groups have responded to this opportunity and come up with some excellent ideas for running local libraries already, proving local people can provide the best solutions for their communities."
If the plans are agreed the county council will continue to support the community-run libraries. For example, where volunteers want to extend opening hours the county council will cover additional running costs such as utilities. Self service desks will also be provided as well as training for volunteers.
The council has held a series of talks with users of all 10 libraries offered for community partnership. Ideas people have suggested to meet local needs include tailoring opening times to meet the commuter rush and providing a parcel collection service for people at work during the day.
The county council's Cabinet will meet on September 27 to decide on the plans for community-partnered libraries.
Comments
I really hope that volunteers come forward and help to run this library. I understand that cuts have to be made - plus with Kindles and IPads the way we read is changing massively and borrowing books from a library is probably not that common these days. But I think libraries are great places, especially for children. I have really fond memories of visiting my local library when I was a kid and I've been an avid reader ever since. Libraries have a big place in our community and hopefully this one will continue to offer its services to local people.
By MelBattams at 19:56 on 21/09/11
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