William Eichler 03 January 2024

Support programme for libraries launched

Support programme for libraries launched   image
Image: Kateryna Onyshchuk / Shutterstock.com.

A charity representing public libraries has launched a support programme for council library services facing spending cuts.

Libraries Connected set up the programme in response to the financial crisis engulfing local authorities in England and Wales.

The charity warned that libraries are ‘particularly vulnerable’ to reductions in staff, opening hours and book budgets when local authorities are facing financial difficulties.

A Local Government Association (LGA) survey last year found that nearly one in five council leaders and chief executives think it is very or fairly likely that they will need to issue a Section 114 notice in 2023 or 2024.

Isobel Hunter MBE, chief executive of Libraries Connected, said: ‘We are deeply concerned by the growing number of councils issuing statutory Section 114 notices, and the effect this is already having on library services. As the national membership body for public libraries, we are committed to supporting our members as they navigate this financial storm.’

More than 20 library services, representing around 650 public, prison and mobile libraries, have already joined the programme, which includes a confidential peer network and resource library alongside tailored training, advice and communications support.

If this article was of interest, then check out, 'Can local government take much more?', 'Preventing future Section 114 notices' and 'How to fix local government finance'.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Homeless Officers x2

Wakefield Council
£31,067 to £33,366, Grade 7
An opportunity exists to be part of Wakefield Councils Homeless Team as a Homeless Officer. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Transport Co-Ordination Officer

Wakefield Council
£12,792 to £13,634.50 Grade 5
An opportunity exists within the busy Home to School Transport Team for a highly motivated Transport Co-ordination Officer. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Casework Officer

Wakefield Council
£34,314 to £37,035 Grade 8
This role is to manage a large and challenging caseload of children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHC Plans) Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Highways Engineer

Rutland County Council
£36,124 to £37,938 per annum
An exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and passionate Highways Engineer Rutland
Recuriter: Rutland County Council

Traffic Engineering Officer

Rutland County Council
£36,124 to £37,938 per annum
An exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and passionate Traffic Engineering Officer Rutland
Recuriter: Rutland County Council
Linkedin Banner

Partner Content

Circular highways is a necessity not an aspiration – and it’s within our grasp

Shell is helping power the journey towards a circular paving industry with Shell Bitumen LT R, a new product for roads that uses plastics destined for landfill as part of the additives to make the bitumen.

Support from Effective Energy Group for Local Authorities to Deliver £430m Sustainable Warmth Funded Energy Efficiency Projects

Effective Energy Group is now offering its support to the 40 Local Authorities who have received a share of the £430m to deliver their projects on the ground by surveying properties and installing measures.

Pay.UK – the next step in Bacs’ evolution

Dougie Belmore explains how one of the main interfaces between you and Bacs is about to change.