Reduction in Library Opening Hours
by wighteye
With the Isle of Wight Council having chosen East Cowes Library as one of the five for closure as from the end of September 2011, Wighteye thought it useful to review the local provision. Of course, the Council will claim that the library has not closed and that it will be run by local volunteers, but why are they still appealing for volunteers both within the library itself and on boards outside the town hall?
Back in January of this year, Wighteye wrote of proposed cuts to the local service; at that time provision was 30 hours per week, with trained library staff. That was cut to 20 hours per week from April 2011 and as from October 1st 2011 will reduce to just 12 hours per week, presumably with no experienced/trained library staff.
So, lets be clear, a 60% cut in opening hours, and the the local precept for East Cowes has risen due to taking on the local library! Marvellous!!!!!!
