Notes of public meeting for library proposed closures held on Wednesday 2nd February

Notes of public meeting for library proposed closures held on Wednesday 2^nd February

Present: Maurice Pullen (Chinnor Parish Council) – Neutral Facilitator of meeting

Cllr Keith Mitchell – Leader of Oxfordshire County Council (OCC)

Mr John Jackson – Director of Social and Community Affairs

Chinnor Parish Council: Cllr’s Ambridge, Dix, Haywood, Marfleet, Pickard, Wills, Young

Clerk and Assistant Clerk of Chinnor Parish Council - Mrs Liz Folley and Mrs Jo Wills

County Councillors David Wilmshurst and Nick Carter

District Councillor Geoff Andrews

Mrs Heritage – Head teacher of St Andrews School

Rebecca Crockett – CPRE and local resident

Users of the library and residents of Chinnor were present

Cllr Maurice Pullen opened the meeting by welcoming everyone and thanked everyone for attending.

An outline of the present benefits of the library were listed.

Details of all the papers on chairs available for reading which included: Agenda, List of Chinnor library performance figures and running costs and also a list of questions raised and submitted prior to the meeting.

Details of the petitions were explained and a request for all interested to sign after the meeting. The petitions are also available in the Parish Council office each day before mid February.

Cllr Pullen thanked the speakers for attending and welcomed Cllr Mitchell to give the OCC position of the County Council

Cllr Mitchell reported that a consultation will be starting soon to discuss options and ask for everyone’s opinion on the subject.

The main issue is about money as the Government are announcing big spending cuts.

The Local Government Settlement is finalised and the Government will vote later in the week. It is expected that in the New Financial Year £119m will be cut over the next 4 years and out of this £58m needs to be cut in this financial year.

There are no options or choices in these figures.

It has been agreed that two groups exempt from these cuts would be Emergency Services and also Child Protection Services.

The Library service currently costs £8.7m and this needs to be cut by £2m.

Cuts have been made by OCC which include a 40% cut in Senior Management and non-front line services.

On the 15^th February OCC will set their Budget and it has to be a balanced budget.

65% of spending is received from Central Government.

Cllr Mitchell reported that Oxfordshire has good public transport links.

20/43 Libraries in Oxfordshire have proposals to cease funding.

3 options are available:

1) Close 20 libraries and cease the funding

2) ¼ cuts over all the Libraries

3) Remain open and run by a volunteer group – no funding from OCC

Cllr Mitchell explained that a community run library would have assistance from OCC and be able to retain the current book stock and IT equipment but no ongoing funding would be available.

Cllr Mitchell also suggested the Precept be raised next year to support the library – this would equate to approx £5.00 per head per annum.

Cllr Pullen thanked Cllr Mitchell and welcomed Rebecca Crockett to give a statement of the role of the library and the benefits to the village.

In December 2009 Oxfordshire Libraries took part in the then government's modernisation review of public libraries. Oxfordshire Libraries stated that the core purpose of the library is to “support reading, learning, education, communication and knowledge through the provision of access to books, information and other media by whatever means are appropriate”. It also stated that “providing equality of opportunity and promoting social justice should underpin the statutory provision of books, media and information which is free at point of access”.

I think the second statement is very important when it comes to looking at the proposed withdrawal of funding from Chinnor library.

According to the County Librarian the current cost of the library service facilities provided in Chinnor is about £50k, not including any building costs, which are covered by the Properties department within the County Council. I have calculated that this £50k is about 1.8% of the amount Chinnor households paid in Council tax to the County Council last year.

I'm now going to let you know why I'm so passionate about Chinnor library and I hope you will agree with me that it is a facility run by professional paid staff worth fighting for.

The library is open to every single member of the community and provides a safe environment for all to learn or come to read for pleasure. It is open for a total of 25 hours a week, at a variety of times meaning that most can find a time to visit the library should they wish to.

For those who can't walk or cycle to the library there is parking nearby, including two parking spaces for the disabled right outside.

As you enter the library foyer there is a wealth of well presented local information - including countryside walks, bus timetables, and prospectuses for further education and there are often displays by local community groups.

Once inside the library, you will receive a warm welcome from the library staff and then you are free to look at the wide variety of well chosen books, and information available – all on one level – no stairs or lifts here.

Further information on cultural and other activities put on by local groups and those in neighbouring districts are neatly and clearly displayed on notice boards and in leaflet holders.

There are tables to sit at and read the local papers and other periodicals. There is the space to view public documents, for example the Core Strategy for South Oxfordshire or open up many books and do research etc

For children of all ages there are a wide range of books to choose from and a comfy area for them to sit and listen as parents read to them, or read quietly to themselves.

According to the 2009 library visitor survey most visitors browse for books. Here the reader doesn't just get to browse by subject or author; the library staffs has other displays of books – a quick selection display, display of books in from other libraries and books suitable for a summer holiday read!! Browsing this way is not available on the computer.

Books are available in a variety of formats:

· board books for babies

· large print for those with failing sight

· non-fiction books

· novels from light romance to the Man Booker Prize winner

· audio books for those who can no longer read print

· our library also brings in books for the four local book clubs

As well as books the library also provides information services and these include:

· business and professional reference materials

· official publications

· family history resources

· local studies covering life in Chinnor and the surrounding villages [1]

· free public access to broadband internet on 3 computers, with one specifically set-up for use by children

· plus a designated computer linking to the central library information and resource service

There are also DVDs for rent, the sale of withdrawn stock and the use of the printers and photocopiers all for a very reasonable price.

The library staff also runs activities for children such as the summer reading challenge and the monthly rhyme-time sessions for the under 5's. The library welcomes regular visits from the autistic centre, and the two local primary schools, indeed today, the library has hosted a rhyme-time session, and welcomed over 50 children from the local primary schools.

Of course with so much going on how does a visitor find his way around – well, he asks the friendly, well trained staff – who can guide the visitor on how to use the computers, point readers in the right direction or refer you to specialist areas with in the Central Library Service.

Overseeing the running of this wondrous facility is the library manager. As well as being able to organise staff members, have knowledge of the library computer systems and the public computers, order and manage the flow of books between libraries, the manager is also in charge of:

Book-keeping

Health and Safety

Data protection

Risk assessments for each activity and class visit

Building and security checks

In summary, I'm sure all here will agree with me and think that the 1.8% of Chinnor's contribution to the county council last year was money well spent on the only facility funded by the county council that is open to all. Furthermore, I request that our two county councillors share with each other all the correspondence they have received concerning these proposals and represent the residents of Chinnor and vote against these proposals at the county council meeting on February 15^th. Thank you.

Cllr Pullen thanked Rebecca and welcomed Mrs Heritage to explain the educational benefits of the Chinnor Library:

Mrs Heritage introduced herself and St Andrews School and explained that literacy is the key to life.

To ignite a love of books into your life opens up a lot of doors.

Free access to books is the key access to learning.

Chinnor Library is the only resource open to everyone and supports the two village primary schools and 2 pre-schools.

A library can re-in force positive learning attitudes as not all homes have Internet access.

The library is an invaluable resource at School and especially during School holidays when they run competitions and Reading Quests. Mrs Heritage welcomed two year 6 pupils who presented Cllr Mitchell with letters they had written about why they like and use their library and want to see it remain open.

Cllr Pullen thanked Mrs Heritage and opened the floor for questions:

Questions from the meeting.

It was stated that there is a lack of car parking at Thame. Thame is not accessible to some disabled users.

Since Thame has opened the usage numbers have trebled and it has been a great success.

Statement made to reduce cuts over a wider area-

KM cuts are being made to all services apart from Fire & rescue and child protection

What Criteria for closure was used – request for information of foot fall for Chinnor. How credible is the information? – JJ responded that numbers are based either on number of book issues and also number of visitors. Chinnor is approximately in the middle of the usage chart.

It was stated that the bus fare to Thame is £4.50 (adult) and £3.15 (child). The route 40 is currently being reviewed and under threat.

KM agreed that all services are getting worse.

Footfall of the Old Thame Library

JJ 26000 were the figures and have now trebled with the new building. KM the 2m saving has to come from somewhere.

Cost of building Thame Library

The Thame Library was in the budget long before the CC were aware of any cost cutting.

Do the footfall figures reflect population? It would be better to have a reduced service rather than no service?

This Library is used by neighbouring villages.

Disappointed with the reply received from the MP

E-books are not a suitable alternative – failure to understand that the library is more than just handing out books

Closing the library is not cost effective; it could cause social isolation and ill health.

OCC cannot afford to continue with the library.

Has the projected increase in population been taken into account?

Opportunity to challenge the results during the consultation period

Suggestion that the elected officer should be going back to government to demand that these cuts are not acceptable

The community need to look at the available options. JJ to publish some ideas at the end of the month.

PC precept is not capped and could be increased to pay OCC for books, professional help with computers and book choice

Deposit point & pick up point for books ordered on line

The central library will also suffer some cut backs

Thame & Watlington libraries were statistically poor- why have they been rewarded?

Community need to come together to retain the library.

Savings have been made in waste collection rebates from improved scheme could fund the library.

KM stated he would ask the waste experts to comment.

More information required regarding Building Costs, staffing costs, greater understanding of what the community can do. The local community must contribute in excess of 2.5m in the form of Council tax yet we are seeing a reduced bus service, library and school budget. OCC needs to reflect dis-enfranchising OCC tax papers.

Suggestion to put £5 on the precept

What happens to the books?

JJ is issuing all the facts shortly. Happy to retain PC’s & books for community library. However funding would be needed for new equipments and replacement books.

The Big Society there will be 600k to help communities retain libraries and youth service. Communities will have to bid for these funds.

Longer term implication – in 5yrs time the deficit could be reduced and the imbalance in the national budget gone.

E-books – lack of computers –

KM suggested access to school computers could be sought

50% reduction at Chinnor would give 2.5 days

JJ said it would require a 30% reduction across the county

It would be better to spread the reduction across the county so that all libraries feel the cuts and have the opportunity for community involvement. It would be better to have the library open 1 day a week with professional staff than not all. Plea to think about reduced hours + volunteer help

Do not underestimate the value of Chinnor it is a good community

Capita grant based on population suggested

Cultural Heritage

Increase in precept & council tax would mean we are paying twice

Mobile Library is currently being reviewed, Usage varies very much, generally low usage.

Would look to mobile library if no statutory provision.

Home library service is run by volunteers for those that cannot access libraries.

How long have OCC known about the cuts?

18mths ago were aware that cuts would have to be made., 35m in current year. For certain amount only known Monday of this week. Thame was committed prior to the known cuts

Keep all libraries open

Why is our MP John Howell not here

Library manager at Lord Williams supports the idea to reduce the cost of all area.

Cost for consultation?

Paper Costs / Officer time / website

New Homes currently being built will increase population.

Developers do pay for infrastructure/capital but not running costs

Building – no decision on a redundant building. The community would be consulted

Consultations should take place with areas who are not losing libraries.

If an increase in use would we stand better chance in keeping our library?

Minimal charge on users

Against the law

It is legal to request Voluntary donations from users