Have your say on proposed new library opening times

by Lisa Reeves

Monday 12^th March 2018

Mon 12^th Mar 2018

Cheshire East Council has recently announced their proposed new opening times for Alderley Edge Library.

In November the Council published it Pre Budget Consultation for 2018-21 which included closing the library in order to save around £50,000 a year.

However, they reconsidered their plans following residents' feedback and a campaign by local residents to save the village library.

It now proposed that the library will remain open for five half-days per week, allowing Cheshire East Council to reduce costs by not having to pay lunchtime cover for regular staff.

The proposed hours which will be effective form Monday 4th June, are:

Monday: closed
Tuesday: 09.30 - 13.30
Wednesday: 09.30 - 13.30
Thursday: 14:00 - 18.30
Friday: 09.30 - 13.30
Saturday: 09.00 - 13.00
Sunday: closed

Speaking at the Parish Council meeting on Monday, 12th March, Councillor Rachael Grantham commented "One of the big things that came out of the group that came together to try and save the library was encouraging children to use it after school which the proposed opening times make very difficult and clearly I'd be interested to know what the residents think."

Councillor Grantham added that they had wanted to hold Youth Council meetings in the library and it is now impossible to do so, so she would like to see another afternoon and evening session added.

Councillor Craig Browne responded "I absolutely agree I think we would like to see at least one further afternoon/evening session and I will be following this up."

Residents are encouraged to have their say on these proposed opening times, by completing one of the feedback forms available at the library, or by sending an email to [email protected] with the subject title "Alderley Edge Library: Revised Opening Hours".

The consultation is open until April 3rd.

What do you think about the proposed new opening hours? Share your views via the comment box below.

Tags:: Alderley Edge Library

Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

Heather Penn

Tuesday 13^th March 2018 at 10:04 am

How frustrating for the school children who presented their petition to The Council urging them to reconsider the library closure! With these times, school age children could only use the library on a Thursday when it would be open from 3.30pm, and Saturday morning. I would suggest that there needs to be at least three week days when the library is open after this time to cater for this age group.

Ann Elphick

Tuesday 13^th March 2018 at 4:32 pm

I completely agree that it is vital that our local children are encouraged and able to use the library, which will almost exclusively be at the end of the school day or on Saturday morning.
However, I also know that the Tuesday morning toddler group is very active.

I would therefore suggest the following:
Tuesday - all day.
Wednesday closed - which we are used to
Thursday - pm
Friday - pm
Saturday - am.

That should cater for all needs...as the lively book clubs could no doubt adjust.

Harry Martin

Tuesday 13^th March 2018 at 5:31 pm

Reading cannot be just seen in terms of money . For children it gives independent learning and for some older readers it can be a lifeline and a purpose to go out as many established local shops and banks are closing . I can remember my children using it after school to do their homework . It is a shame this building can't be used for something else . Maybe a guided Mum / U5'S weekly reading club with a charge for a hot drink/ membership or used for language , history , crafts....the list goes on as trying to hunt for a language class which didn't involve a car journey was quite challenging and I ended up paying for blocks of 6 lessons in a small group which meant a battle through traffic and very costly fees .

Bob Bracegirdle

Tuesday 13^th March 2018 at 6:49 pm

I agree. Evening opening much more valuable than morning.

Ian Cook

Tuesday 27^th March 2018 at 7:43 pm

What about dual use of the Library with a local police officer stationed at a desk there for a couple of hours a day.....that might get a few more locals through the doors? And they could do a walk up and down the village giving a visual presence of a Bobby on the beat again?