BOOK-LOVERS across Liverpool thought it was an open-and-shut case but, in a surprise announcement today, Mayor Joe Anderson declared that all 11 closure-threatened libraries were to stay open.
But he said people power had nothing to do with the reprieve, even though campaigner Ruth Knox insisted public responses - and a 10,000 signature petition - to the closure proposals had been a major part.
The Mayor added that it should not be seen as a U-turn. Rather, he said, £1.6m in savings had been found during consultations, and that only £,600,000 more was needed.
"People can say what they want about people power, and I'll be disappointed if people try to claim that that's what it is," he said.
'Proud'
In a statement the Mayor went on: “As you know we have been working very hard over the last couple of months to secure a future for all 19 libraries in Liverpool. I can confirm today that none of our libraries will close.
“There is much to be proud about our library service – whether it is the increasingly popular e-book service or the award-winning Central Library – and after months of negotiations we have been able to enhance our proposed core statutory Library Service with alternative library services delivered by community groups and local organisations.
“The changes to the library service are against a backdrop of severe financial challenges imposed on the city, because our funding from Central Government has been cut by 58% which is affecting every service in the city.
“This includes the £10m libraries budget, but also other services that support the most vulnerable in our city like mental health services and the elderly, meaning that those who rely on us the most are affected the most.”
Yet seemingly contradicting his dismissal of public pressure playing a part, the Mayor added: “The on-going consultation about the future of the library service with local people, organisations and community groups has shown how many people share our passion for our libraries. It has also clearly shown that they are willing to get involved to help keep them running and I would like to thank them and commend them for that.”
Mayor Anderson said, so far, viable proposals have been received for seven of the 11 libraries and the council is continuing to plan the future of the remainder.
There may have to be changes to the way these libraries are run, with changed opening hours for example, but the proposals are an exciting mixture of ideas with local community organisations and voluntary groups joining up to form new partnerships with Liverpool City Council, adds the Mayor.
A report will be brought to cabinet identifying all proposals received to date and seeking cabinet approval for our plan to keep all 19 libraries open.”
The proposal to close 11 city libraries, more than half of the city's libraries in total, would have left most of the north end of the city a literary desert. They are/were: Breck Road; Dovecot; Fazakerley; Kensington; Lee Valley; Old Swan; Sefton Park; Spellow Lane; Walton; Wavertree; West Derby.
