The Isle of Wight council issued a press release yesterday highlighting the fact that their “approach to the local library service, including the establishment of community libraries, will be under the national spotlight in the coming weeks.”
They say that the change from eleven council run libraries to six council libraries and five community libraries has “attracted interest at a national level, as those with an interest in library services are keen to find out about how the Isle of Wight has positively responded to the challenge and how it is working.”
Pugh to speak as witness for local authority
Council leader David Pugh will be giving evidence to MPs sitting on the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee’s inquiry into library closures on Tuesday 21 February (you can usually watch this live through the Parliament.tv website)
Having submitted written evidence to the committee, Cllr Pugh will be part of a panel of witnesses from local authorities.
Other Islanders given written evidence too
Cllr Pugh was not the only Islander to provide written evidence.
Library campaigners Dave and June Quigley also submitted written evidence which is being considered by the Committee.
Read June’s evidence
Pugh to also share experiences with LGA Conference
Speaking ahead of the two sessions, Councillor Pugh said: “It is clear that the Island’s innovative approach to library changes is of considerable interest to those involved in looking at the future of the service both nationally and locally, around the country.
“The past 12 months has been a challenging time for everyone involved in libraries on the Island. The significant budget challenges we faced meant that we could not shy away from looking at how our library service was configured. We needed to develop a service that was affordable and sustainable. As we progressed the changes, we adjusted the plans along the way to respond to particular needs and issues as they have arisen across the Island.
“This flexible approach has not only ensured the successful establishment of five community libraries, but has complemented the local enthusiasm and efforts to secure the long-term future of these valued facilities.
“From my own experience as a volunteer in Shanklin, it is clear that our local library is not only secure but has the potential to develop into a flexible resource which responds to community need and demand.
“I am looking forward to sharing some of these experiences with the House of Commons committee and the LGA conference, to help both MPs and fellow local authorities in their deliberations on this important matter. I also hope to learn of best practice happening elsewhere in the country, which we can feed into our future developments here.
“Thanks to the immensely strong community spirit on the Island, we have managed to maintain and develop our network. We are also actively investigating extending the opening hours at some of our branches.”
Read the written evidence
You will find a comprehensive list of all those who submitted evidence to the Culture, Media and Sport Committee. Thanks to Shirley Burnham for sharing these links.
Image: CCAC North Library under CC BY 2.0
