Public Libraries: Closures

Lord Bishop of Hereford Excerpts

Monday 12th September 2011 Lords Chamber

[Lord Howarth of Newport]

My Lords—

[The Lord Bishop of Hereford]

My Lords, the point was made earlier about the need occasionally for other premises where libraries are being closed. We have in Hereford diocese an excellent example, of a library in a church tower. A lift, loos and other facilities are provided. If local authorities have to relocate libraries that are under threat of closure, I would be grateful if the Government would give them every encouragement to look at partnerships in a whole range of ways, including with the churches.

[Baroness Rawlings]

My Lords, the right reverend Prelate makes an extremely good point, which I look forward to taking back to the department.