Hours facing the axe at Derry Central Library
FIRST it was welfare cuts to the most needy in society who live a life on the breadline surviving on state hand outs.
Now they want to cut the hours of local libraries just to save a few pennies while millions of pounds is squandered every year in Stormont on consultants and Special Advisors to ministers.
Libraries are a sanctuary to many: where they can keep warm, meet up with friends, read the daily newspapers, read a book or research material on the internet.
Libraries NI has announced plans to consult on reducing opening hours at Central Library in Derry.
The Foyle Street facility is one of 14 across the North of Ireland which is facing a reduction in opening hours to the public
The public consultation will be held from 17 May to 17 July to identify the most suitable pattern of hours with the opening hours at the Foyle Street library being reduced from 54 to 45.
The reduction in library opening hours forms part of an overall package of savings that Libraries NI says it needs to implement to help meet current budget demands.
Irene Knox, chief executive of Libraries NI Irene Knox, said: “This is not the ideal situation however we must plan for and consider our budget for the year ahead.
“We will continue to liaise with staff, customers and stakeholders throughout this process and we will listen to any concerns raised.
“If our circumstances change, and additional funding is made available, then it will be used to minimise the reductions in library opening hours.”
For the consultation, people are invited to complete a questionnaire which can be accessed at any of the 14 libraries affected or online at www.librariesni.org.uk
The new patterns of library opening hours be enforcedwill be implemented in November this year.
