Why are council downsizing our town’s library service? (From Halesowen News)

Why are council downsizing our town’s library service?

11:58am Thursday 8th January 2009

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On September 29 I wrote to Councillor Millward, Dudley's lead councillor for finance, complaining of inadequate staffing on level 5 (the computer room) of Halesowen library.

I assumed the cause had to do with finance and that cllr Millward was the appropriate person to write to.

By early November, having received no response, I rang the council and spoke to the secretary.

Subsequently, I received a copy of an email explaining that cllr Millward had “unfortunately mislaid your letter” but would now be “chasing the matter for you”.

One month later I still haven't had a reply from the councillor.

In the meantime, the library has informed users of a proposal to reorganise, resulting in the loss of level 5 to another council service.

This is quite simply downsizing the library service.

The library is a vital community service and learning resource. You can't help making a comparison with the opening of Asda and watching customers flocking through the doors.

Where are we going in Halesowen when feeding the body is on the up whilst feeding the mind is on the slide?

I would like Dudley Council to make a public statement about its finances and what lies behind its current proposal.

John Payne, Halesowen

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