The Petition of residents of Sedgefield,
Declares that the Petitioners are opposed to proposals to reduce the opening hours of Sedgefield Library from 39 hours a week to 20: further declares that while the Petitioners recognise the need to make cuts, the Petitioners believe that such a drastic cut will undermine community services and leave a huge gap in the welfare of both adults and children, as Sedgefield Library is at the heart of the community; and declares that the Petitioners believe that 30 hours of opening each week would be more appropriate for what is one of the most used libraries in the county.
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to review the level of cuts in funding to Durham County Council so that the Council can look again at the proposed reduction in the opening hours of Sedgefield library and to look at what else can be done to maintain library opening hours at a suitable level.
And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Phil Wilson, Official Report, 17 September 2012; Vol. 550, c. 753.]
[P001118]
Observations from the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport:
The Government are committed to championing the public library service. Libraries can and do contribute to a range of local and national Government priorities including assisting people to access a range of educational materials, to find employment and work with parents, schools and colleges to support education and learning agendas. All these connections can have positive benefits for communities.
The Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 requires all library authorities to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service based on local need within available resources. The assessment, funding and provision of library services, including issues such as opening hours, are therefore for local authorities to determine. Decisions about Sedgefield library are a matter for Durham County Council.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has a duty under the Act to superintend the delivery of library services by local authorities. A number of local authorities have announced plans to reconfigure their library services, and we monitor progress on plans, including those of Durham County Council. Where the Government consider that a local authority is no longer providing a comprehensive and efficient service, they have the power to order an inquiry.
The Government continue to support libraries and have transferred the responsibilities for the development and improvement of public libraries to Arts Council England (ACE). ACE is currently undertaking a major research project to help develop a long-term vision for public libraries in England. Additionally they are working with the Local Government Association to test new approaches to library service delivery that are innovative, locally appropriate and enterprising ways of working, resulting in a resilient vision for future public library services.