The consultation on the Bath library move began last week, and now it is the turn of Midsomer Norton. Both libraries are being combined with the local One Stop Shops; Bath’s at Manvers Street, and Midsomer Norton’s within The Hollies. Now is the time for local residents to have their say on local library services before it is too late.
The Council says that this model has worked well in its One Stop Shop in Keynsham, which has been running since October 2014. According to Council figures, the number of active users at Keynsham Library (those taking out at least one item) rose from 3,099 in March 2014 to 4,630 in March 2016; while the number of active users in other libraries, including Midsomer Norton and Bath, continued to decline.
Readers can view the example design of the new library space (as pictured above) and also give their feedback by visiting: www.bathnes.gov.uk/consultations/modern-library-design-feedback-MSN
Copies of the feedback forms will also be available at the current Midsomer Norton Library and One Stop Shop in the Hollies. Cllr Martin Veal (Conservative, Bathavon North), Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “Midsomer Norton Library is being modernised to ensure residents can continue to access a modern library service – one that is both sustainable for the future and fits with the way in which people are now using libraries.
“Overall, the public space will be greater than the existing Midsomer Norton Library area, and the aim will be to maximise use of the space to meet the needs of both current and future library users. Therefore, we’re keen to hear from everyone about what they would like to see.
“We’re taking these steps to ensure the Midsomer Norton Library and One Stop Shop both have a thriving future that is fit for the 21st century. By co-locating our libraries with other community services, we will not only provide a modern library service to residents, but it will also help the Council towards achieving the large savings it has to make in the coming years.
“Whilst some councils are having to close libraries, we are seeking innovative solutions to keep all our libraries open and ensure they are sustainable for the future.”
Although this has been put forward as a way to save money, in a BBC Radio Bristol interview on 2nd February, B&NES Council’s Leader, Tim Warren, (Conservative, Mendip), said that there was a budget of around £5 million for the library moves – £2.2 million to refurbish Lewis House for the Bath Central Library move, £2.2 million for ‘workplace requirements’, £200,000 for Midsomer Norton library’s relocation, £100,000 for community library development and a £1.24 million contingency fund. The Council has said the plans will save £800,000 per year. The consultation ends on 28th February.