Protestors gathered at Lincolnshire County Council to show the strength of feeling against plans that could see the closure of 30 libraries.
The council’s Community and Public Safety Committee gave its approval to the plans on Tuesday, which will need to be rubber-stamped by the council’s executive next Tuesday (Feb 3).
The proposals are to retain ten libraries across Lincolnshire, 45 hours per week, keep five running 18 hours per week and retain the others only if community groups step forward to run them.
The same proposals were originally approved by the council in 2013, but after a successful High Court challenge the council was told more consultation was needed, which it says has now been done.
The council says its proposals will save £2million a year which is necessary both because of reduced budgets and reduced usage of libraries.
Julie Harrison, spokesman for campaign group Save Lincolnshire Libraries, believes an expression of interest in taking on the service made by Grenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) proved there was another answer.
She said: “The expression of interest by GLL demonstrates how all libraries in Lincolnshire could be kept open, run by professional and paid staff with the support of volunteers, within the budget allocated by Lincolnshire County Council.”
The council has been told it must now consider all expressions of interest, which could mean remaining services go into private hands.
Some campaigners were allowed to address the meeting on Tuesday.
One of them said: “Listen to what taxpayers and local residents are saying.
“Don’t meekly follow party lines, whichever party you are in.
“Think about the decision you will make very carefully and support what you believe your local communities want and deserve. Not what you think is best for them.
“They elected you. Do not let them down.”
How libraries will look after changes
Spalding
Spalding library could remain almost unchanged as the proposal is for it to be open at least 45 hours per week over six days, closing at 6pm on at least one day – requirements currently reached under existing arrangements.
Holbeach
Holbeach library has already had its hours slashed recently, but is currently open 16 hours per week.
Donington
Donington library is currently open ten hours per week.
Sutton Bridge
Sutton Bridge already has a community-led library, which according to its website is the only volunteer-only run library in Lincolnshire. It opens 17 hours per week, including three hours on a Saturday.
Crowland
There is also already a mix of voluntary and council staffed hours at Crowland, with council staff working at the library ten hours per week and volunteers ensuring it is open 9.30am to 12.30pm Monday to Friday.
Long Sutton
Long Sutton library could well have its hours reduced by more than 25 per cent as it is currently open 25 hours per week and under the proposals would need to be open “at least 18 hours”.
Staffing levels at Spalding and Long Sutton would remain unchanged, but council staff would be removed from all other libraries in South Holland. Those libraries would only survive beyond September if community groups stepped forward to take them on.
Pinchbeck
Council staff open Pinchbeck library for six hours per week and volunteers are already manning it one day.
Other arrangements
Mobile library services would be provided “where there is a proven need”.
In addition there would be a range of specialist support, such as a monthly home library service for people who cannot reach their library.
The community hubs would be given ongoing professional support, free library stock and systems and free support to provide computers for public use.
Council-owned buildings would be provided “virtually free,” a grant of £15,000 would be available for adaptations to those buildings and £5,167 a year for four years has been set aside for running costs.
