Bexley Council is planning to partner up with community organisations on four libraries in order to save £800,000.
The proposals will see a “core” service of longer hours for six libraries whilst the council will team up with community groups to manage the facilities in Blackfen, Bostall, Northumberland Heath and Upper Belvedere.
From next Monday (September 29) people will have the opportunity to comment on the new draft Library Strategy.
Longer opening hours are planned at Central Library in Bexleyheath, Crayford, Erith, Sidcup, Thamesmead and Welling.
Bexley Council cabinet member for community safety and leisure Councillor Alex Sawyer said: “In Bexley and across the country the number of library visits, items issued and active borrowers have all fallen.”
“We aim to continue to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service, keep our libraries open and achieve the savings we need to balance the budget.”
Bexley’s first community managed library in Bexley Village is now open for 25 hours a week, compared to 16 hours when it was managed by the council.
A second community managed library will open on October 13 in the new Slade Green and Howbury Community Centre. Council support of the community libraries includes staff seconded from the Council’s libraries and a supply of new books.
Respond to the plans at bexley.gov.uk or fill in the questionnaires at the libraries.
What are your views? Email the newsdesk on hwood@london.newsquest.co.uk
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