Have your say on the future of community libraries

A consultation on the future delivery of community libraries in Blackburn with Darwen has been launched.

The Council is looking for support from volunteers to help out with the day-to-day running of the facilities in Livesey, Mill Hill and Roman Road.

Due to a further cut in Government funding of £31m over the next three years, it is reviewing all its services in an effort to make additional savings. The budget for the library service has been reduced in line with many other services.

Many libraries across the country are changing how services are delivered and in line with this. But unlike other areas where libraries have been closed, the Council is exploring community interest in running and supporting Livesey Library, Mill Hill Library and Roman Road Library.

A series of public consultation meetings are being held to see if there is any interest from individuals or community groups.

As part of its efforts to work cheaper, smarter and in a more sustainable way, the Council is investing in all of its libraries including the three community ones and is installing self-service machines within each one which will help any volunteers in the future.

Volunteers would not have to take responsibility for the building but would act more like stewards, helping people with their enquiries when they visit the library.

The meetings are:

• Roman Road Library Tuesday 6^th January 2015 5 .30pm – 7pm
• Livesey Library Wednesday 7^th January 2015 5.30pm – 7pm
• Mill Hill Library Thursday 8^th January 2015  5.30pm – 7pm

If you are unable to attend any meetings, you can still express your views by emailing library@blackburn.gov.uk or calling 01254 661221.

Councillor Damian Talbot, Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Young People, said: “Our libraries are very well used and popular with residents. They play a key part in our local communities and we already work closely with lots of volunteers and community groups working within our libraries and as part of our housebound library service. This is just taking it a step further and formalising the system more. We want to see if this can be explored further as we face more cuts to our budgets, whilst trying to preserve services which are important to local residents.”

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