Over 270 residents from Steyning and other parishes came to the Steyning Centre on the 6th October to give their support to the Parish Council in their campaign to keep the Steyning Library open. Cllr.David Barling, Chair of the Parish Council, in his introduction, said that the turnout “…was a testament to the depth of feeling the town feels about our library”. Lesley Sim – Information Services Manager from WSCC and, Bill Acraman – Chief Library Adviser to the Cabinet Member, were there to brief the meeting about the cuts that were affecting the 36 libraries in WSCC and to answer questions from the floor.
Cllr.David Barling told the meeting that following a meeting with the WSCC Library Service to discuss what effect the review would have on Steyning, has been given a written guarantee by WSCC that Steyning Library is not to close. Good news!
Lesley Sim (WSCC) gave a brief report on the Library Review. There were 4,500 regular borrowers and Steyning was the 5th busiest in the tier 5 libraries(there are 6 tiers). The library service is having to make £1million of savings over the next 2 years which will be spread across the 36 libraries.
Bill Acraman (WSCC) stated that these savings have to be made as there will be no support from the Council Tax over the next 2 years. 80% of the budget goes on wages and to cut costs the proposals under discussion are:
Reduce number of people working at any one time; reduce the opening hours each day; reduce number of opening days. No decisions will be made until next year. They are also looking at volunteers, contributions and putting different functions into library buildings to raise income.
Cllr. Mariella Alexander, who is the Chair of the Library Sub-Committee, had spoken to many people over the last few months and they emphasised the importance of the library as a community asset and the expertise of the staff. She said” we need workable solutions so that cuts are not imposed on us and that is where you, the public, come in; to tell us what you want, give us your ideas and feedback”. Some ideas already out forward are: Generate income in some way like putting in an internet cafe – very successful at Haywards Heath; local tourist information office and shop; local craft shop; community groups like the wardens to use the space; venue for day and evening classes.
There followed almost 1 hour of questions and suggestions from the floor which included:
WSCC should be more transparent about the savings required; IT support centre for when income tax returns have to be done on line; look at changing staff conditions at County aprticularly the generous allowance for leave and sick leave; self-service issuing/returning of books; do not buy any books for 1 year; run creative writing media courses; music services; start a book fund – voluntary contributions when people take out a book; chargeable service for downloading books; book donation. It was also suggested that there was a book at the library for users to put in their suggestions.
The overriding feeling was that the current staff were highly valued and that noone wanted to see their hours reduced or wages cut. The use of volunteers should only be to supply people for the additional services that may be put in to provide income and should not be to supplement the current staff. Lesly Sim (WSCC) pointed out that she was passionate about libraries and the staff and had no wish to see any redundancies. She was very pleased to hear all the positive comments coming from the residents.
Cllr George Cockman (HDC District Councillor) would like WSCC to follow up other ways of dealing with staff budget custs through things like voluntary redundancy and early retirement. Bill Acraman (WSCC) responded by saying that it was too early to be thinking about this but across the County they are trying to minimise compulsory redundancy and have a freeze on recruitment. Natural wastage will achieve some of the savings.
Cllr David Barling closed the meeting by saying that he hoped this had been worthwhile and that the suggestions and comments would be taken back for further consideration. he thanked WSCC for coming and for their input. Lastly he thanked everyone for turning up and for sending a clear message to WSCC that “..we like our library and do not want it downgraded or closed!”
