Residents have an opportunity to give their views on the York Council’s radical shake up of Library services in the City. A” focus group” will take place at Acomb Explore Library on Front Street on Monday 22nd April starting at 10:30am

If you would like to attend please get in touch with Qa Research, an independent organisation which is running the groups. You can let them know via email at libraries@qaresearch.co.uk or by getting in touch over the phone on 0800 980 9030. This is a free-phone number so you won’t be charged for ringing. If you plan on ringing, make sure to let them know you are ringing about the library workshops.

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The concept of making libraries the hub of local life is the right one.

However, despite assurances, the main concern of library users is that transferring management away from the Council will put financial pressure on the service at a time when it needs support to meet technology challenges.

Basically more and more people are using electronic devices to access leisure reading opportunities and information. There is less need to make a physical visit to a building to borrow a book or seek information.

There is limited scope to increase library income. Libraries can’t charge for the loan of books. This leaves only room and facility hire plus training income as options for replacing the £450,000 cut in Council funding. There is no reason to suppose that grants from Charities or Trusts will be available to make up the shortfall.

The Council have yet to publish a convincing 5 year business plan for a library service run as a “social enterprise”.

When they do a more sensible debate about options can take place.