Chorleywood Library Update March 2015
Joan Wraysmith was recently instrumental in organising a petition to save Chorleywood Library.
Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) Libraries Panel were proposing to phase out paid staff over a period of time, leaving largely self-service and automated arrangements, supported by volunteers.
“We have had limited success” says Joan, “we have not been re- designated to Tier 2 (a higher level of funding), but we are to have ‘an element of paid library staff’.”
“Our library is such an important resource at the heart of our community, providing access to a range of services to meet differing needs.” stresses supporter Sue Kesteven.
Leading activist Angela Killick adds “We will be having conversations with Herts Library Services about possible frameworks.”
{“We don’t want to become a committee, but we do need to remain in touch and not let the issue drop.]
According to the recently published results to last year’s Chorleywood Community Plan Survey:
91% feel the retention of Chorleywood’s Library is important.
Angela is inviting ‘concerned citizens’ to contact her with ideas, or as potential volunteers.
“The library is popular with young mums and kiddies. But most of those involved in organising the petition are golden oldies. We need to pass the baton on to the next generation. “
HCC will continue to maintain the fabric of the building, supply books, provide insurance and be responsible for security. They wish to keep the library open and hope the core funding will facilitate the development
of volunteer support.
To volunteer or put forward ideas, contact angela_killick@hotmail.com or 01923 282626.
www.hertsdirect.org – search Inspiring Libraries strategy.
Penguin Book Cover Mugs Available from Chorleywood Bookshop
Related Articles
March 2015: Chorleywood Community Survey Results
Original Article December 2014
Joan Wraysmith (below) is one of a large local group of book lovers who are concerned about the future of Chorleywood Library which is likely end up being volunteer run in future, if not closed altogether..
“We presented the petition to move Chorleywood Library from Tier 3 to Tier 2 to a Customer Service, Performance & Libraries Panel at County Hall on 12th December 2014.
We will know their decision in February 2015. We have 2250 signatures to the petition, which shows the strength of feeling about the issue.
Hertfordshire plans to lose all staff from 17 out of 46 of its libraries and it is highly likely Chorleywood as one of the smallest branches will be either volunteered or closed. The general scheme is:
- The largest libraries have an unaffected or even improved service.
- Middle sized libraries (towns, major suburbs) have slightly reduced services, but with some paid staff replaced with volunteers.
- Smallest libraries (THAT’S US) are passed to volunteers, parish councils or closed.
Karen Mason attended the Public Consultation in November
.
“Quite a few people turned up to complete the Consultation Document but the Councillors just said a lot of other libraries were now volunteer run and obviously they need to find ways to save money. They did say the services we have now will stay e.g self service, online ordering etc will not be affected. They did seem to think enough people would come forward as volunteers. They said that they would try and find jobs for the staff at other libraries. Call me sceptical but I can’t see how that will work if they are looking to shed staff across the county! I have used the library for my children since we moved to Chorleywood ten years ago and do a lot of online ordering. As long as the Library does stay open then I will be happy. I do hope they will try and find ways of attracting more people to use the library in one way or another. Having it as a meet up centre/coffee shop would hopefully draw people in. ”
One Comment