Library opening hours consultation is now closed

The Warwickshire Library and Information Service consultation into the future opening hours of the county’s main libraries has now closed.

The consultation got underway on Monday, November 14, and ran until last night, asking local people to decide on the opening hours of the following libraries:

• Alcester
• Atherstone
• Bedworth
• Coleshill
• Kenilworth
• Leamington
• Lillington
• Nuneaton
• Polesworth
• Rugby
• Shipston
• Southam
• Stratford
• Wellesbourne
• Whitnash
• Wolston

More than 5,000 people completed questionnaires in libraries or online on the future pattern of opening hours for libraries remaining under the Library and Information Service control.

There are two exceptions: Warwick’s new opening hours will match Shire Hall’s opening hours, and Stockingford’s opening hours will match those of the Early Years Centre.

The new opening hours will be introduced from March 31. Details of the outcome of the consultation will be available at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/libraries and www.libraryconsult.wordpress.com

Cllr Colin Hayfield, Portfolio-holder for Customers, Access and Physical Assets, said: “We have taken the decision that our customers will decide the opening hours of the libraries. The majority vote will be the option we go with. We are still gathering all the consultation entries, it is extremely encouraging that more than 5,000 people have responded.”

Meanwhile, Warwickshire County Council continues to work closely with community groups around the county developing new community libraries. All of these should be open and operational by April 1, 2012.

The transformation of the Library and Information Service is a part of the general financial savings, where Warwickshire County Council must cut spending by more than £70 million over the next three years. As part of the savings plan, the Library and Information Service budget will reduce by £2 million.