Liverpool, Merseyside -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/23/2012 -- Wirral Council is holding a public consultation on the future of the borough's 24 libraries, following the dropping of plans to close almost half of them. The proposals include integrating many library services and staff with the council's One Stop Shops. Evening opening will be concentrated at four main libraries. Back in 2009 there was plans to close 11 libraries but plans were withdrawn after criticism from a government-appointed inspector. Managing Director of Gateway Merseyside has commented on this, saying, “Looking at these plans from different points of views – I can see good and bad in them. Libraries are a great place to just relax – especially for children to avoid them using computer games all the time. However books are being replaced, fast! By the internet and tablets such as the Kindle or other E-book devices.”
Following a public outcry over the proposals the then culture secretary Andy Burnham asked Sue Charteris, a public policy consultant, to write a report on the council's library closure plans. She said she was "profoundly concerned at the lack of transparency" in the process.
The new Wirral Library Service Strategy reveals that, while nationally library visits and book lending has fallen, in Wirral there has been little change in visitor numbers and book issues have increased. Gateway Merseyside’s Managing Director went on to comment, “Books and magazines can’t compete with technology. It’s sad to think that digital media could completely replace the ‘old’ media, but I hope they can co-exist and Libraries remain open.”
Birkenhead, Wallasey, Bebington and West Kirby will become Wirral's four main libraries and cafes will be opened in libraries where there is space and demand.
The council has said there are no plans to close any libraries. Chris Meaden, cabinet member for culture, tourism and leisure at Labour-controlled Wirral Council, said the changes "would only be successful if they meet the needs of the people who use the service". The consultation runs until 29 February. Gateway Merseyside’s Managing Director commented further, saying, “E-books can reduce the usage of paper, they are one of the best ways to go green when all books are stored in one small device. Technology is progressing fast. A lot like Gateway Merseyside, the growth and expansion we have before us is incredible.”
http://www.bbc.co.uk