Councils considering new way of managing libraries (From Wandsworth Guardian)
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Croydon and Wandsworth Councils considering new way of managing libraries
7:40am Tuesday 13th September 2011 in News
Councils considering new way of managing libraries
A new way of safeguarding libraries in Croydon and Wandsworth is being considered with the aim of protecting branches and improving services to residents.
Croydon Council is looking to work in partnership with Wandsworth Council to carry out a tendering process to find an external organisation to run libraries in both boroughs.
At the end of the process, each borough would be able to individually decide who they would award the contract to.
The proposals will be discussed at the council's cabinet meeting on September 19.
The move comes after 20,000 residents responded to proposals to potentially close six libraries in order to save money following government funding reductions.
Acting on the results of the consultation, the cabinet agreed it would not take the proposals any further in light of such strong community reaction.
A market testing exercise was conducted instead, to see if there were external organisations such as private companies, trust, community organisations and other local authorities that could viably bid to run the service.
A range of parties registered their interest prompting the council to consider tendering for the service to be run externally.
By working jointly with Wandsworth, the council hope to share the costs, knowledge and benefit from the potential economies of scale, particularly if one company is appointed to run both boroughs' service.
Councillor Sara Bashford, cabinet member for customer services, culture and sport said: "Throughout this process, we have always prioritised listening to residents wishes.
"When people said they didn't want to see libraries close, we listened and opted to see who else could help run the service."
Comments(3)
christhegoth
says...
12:43pm Wed 14 Sep 11
Many library users are old or ill. And as such have shakey health. It's easy for them to fall ill and be unable to return a book for 2 weeks.
If the late fee is only 10p per day someone on a low income can pay it. If it is £2.00 per day that's your food budget for the week gone on 1 book. If it is 2 books you get VERY hungry.
If late fees end up too high, which is possible with groups like LSSI bidding, the elderly and infirm would end up too afraid to borrow a book. And that is clearly wrong.
Hopefully a Charity or not-for-profit will get it. Merton are bidding, and their Library Service is excellent.
patand
says...
1:48pm Thu 22 Sep 11
soundcircus says...
10:31am Wed 14 Sep 11