In order to continue to provide effective library services, Bath & North East Somerset Council is reducing the opening hours from 31st October 2016 at a number of locations.
Visitor numbers are much lower early in the day and late in the evening, so by adjusting opening and closing times slightly to reflect this, it means all local libraries can be kept open on the same days as now.
The new opening hours will also be more consistent across all libraries, making it easier for customers to know when the libraries are open.
Cllr Martin Veal (Conservative, Bathavon North), Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “This is about ensuring services at all our libraries are maintained, sustainable and can be delivered within our current staff resource.
“The Council has to achieve significant financial savings over the next three years however – unlike some councils across the country – we are committed to retaining a library service.”
Bath & North East Somerset Council runs the following libraries:
- Bath Central Library
- Keynsham One Stop Shop and Library
- Midsomer Norton Library
- The Hub, Paulton
- Radstock Library
- Moorland Road Library
- Weston Library
- Saltford Library
- Mobile Library Service
Details of the new opening hours are being advertised in all local libraries and can also be found here.
The mobile library’s current opening hours will not change as part of this alteration to the main libraries and branch libraries.
During the times when the Library service is closed the service can still be accessed by:
- Calling 01225 394041 (available during Council Connect opening hours);
- Visiting www.bathnes.gov.uk/libraries for information about all services;
- Renewing and reserving items online at www.librarieswest.org.uk (with your membership number and PIN code to hand)
Bath & North East Somerset Council will have to make further savings to the library service over the next three years.
The Council has already started talking to partner organisations about sharing resources, and will be consulting with local communities to help design library services that meet the needs of each community.
Councillor Dine Romero (Leader of the Lib Dem Group and Councillor for Southdown) commented: “These changes will see opening hours at each library in B&NES reduced. Many residents rely on libraries – particularly children, older people and job seekers – so it’s important that the Council keeps libraries open.
“The announcement of these changes with no warning and no consultation is typical of this administration’s attitude towards residents.
“B&NES residents can expect many further service reductions and amendments as Conservative cuts begin to bite.”
