The leader of Bath & North East Somerset Liberal Democrats, Councillor Dine Romero, has called for more information to be released regarding the Cabinet’s plans for the future of Bath Central Library.
In December, Bath & North East Somerset Council announced plans to modernise library services across the area, including relocating Bath Central Library to Lewis House on Manvers Street.
Following the success of the joint library and One Stop Shop in Keynsham, plans have been announced that will also see Bath’s Central Library and Midsomer Norton Library modernised to reflect the changing way people use the library service.
Councillor Dine Romero (Lib Dems, Southdown) said: “There is a real lack of information around the Cabinet’s plans for the future of the library service. A consultation and feedback process was supposed to start early in the new year. We’re now in the middle of January and nothing concrete has been announced.”
“In the meantime, we’re seeing a drip feed of information through budget papers, social media and the news, which is causing a huge amount of worry. I urge the Cabinet member to publish a full explanation of the proposed scheme as a matter of urgency.”
“To properly respond to these proposals residents and Councillors need facts and figures such as a comparison between amounts of space available currently in the Podium and planned for Lewis House.
“Will there be equal space for stacks, reading areas, study and computer desks and exhibition/event space? What are the plans for the space at the Podium? The original announcement suggested this would be leased to provide an income, but we hear Council staff vacating Lewis House may move there. How will this game of musical chairs benefit residents?”
“The concept of co-locating the One Stop Shop and library has worked in Keynsham; but that is in a brand new building designed for the purpose. There are fears that some might find the atmosphere at Lewis House less welcoming, leading to a decline in footfall.
“It is by no means certain that that Lewis House can be adapted successfully to deliver the same quality of service that residents already have.”