27/6/2006 - Great Broughton has say on improved library service

Great Broughton was the venue last night for the fifth in a series of public meetings to discuss how enhanced library services can be delivered in six Cumbrian communities.

Cumbria County Council's Library Service is a top class performer and, as part of the council's Cultural services, was recently awarded the highest possible audit commission rating. However, the Library Service continues to look for ways to improve and earlier this year reviewed the way services are delivered in its 20 smallest branches.

The review, which looked into things like visitor numbers and the amount of items borrowed, found that Great Broughton is one of six small branches where changes are needed to improve accessibility and promote greater use of the books and other facilities on offer.

Figures show that the amount of items borrowed at Great Broughton library has fallen by more than two thirds in the last four years.

Around 20 people attended last night’s meeting in Great Broughton Primary School where Jim Grisenthwaite, Cumbria County Council’s head of Culture, and other senior Library Service managers were on hand to talk through the possible options.

These included a change to longer opening times with local volunteers providing any extra hours, an expanded mobile or Library Links service, and shared accommodation with other local facilities.

The county council's head of Culture Jim Grisenthwaite was pleased with the response to last night’s meeting. "We had a good debate on how an enhanced library service can be delivered for Great Broughton that better meets local needs. Feedback on last night’s meeting will be provided through the village's Neighbourhood Forum and other local outlets." he said.

People in Great Broughton who were unable to attend the meeting can still register their views either in writing to Library Headquarters, Arroyo Block, The Castle, Carlisle, CA3 8UR or via the Cumbria County Council website at www.cumbria.gov.uk

The consultation period end on 15 July. The Library Service will present its final recommendations to Cabinet in September 2006.

The last public meeting takes place on Thursday 29 June in the Ormsgill Community Centre.

Notes for Editors

In February 2006, the County Council’s Cabinet decided to review the County’s 20 smallest libraries in order to identify those branches where changes are needed to make sure local people get the most from their library service.

Local people are now being consulted on a number of possible changes to the way library services are delivered in St. Bees, Coniston, Abbeytown, Kells, Great Broughton and Ormsgill.