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| SELB
to consider library hours reductions. |
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| The Southern Education and Library Board (SELB) is to consider reductions in library opening hours
for 15 of its branch libraries with effect from the beginning of the next financial year (April 2005). |
The recommendation from the SELB’s Library Committee, which has proposed this action rather than
close a number of branch libraries, is to be considered by the Board at its monthly meeting on
Thursday, November 18.
SELB Head of Library Services Kathleen Ryan said: "Our budget is inadequate to maintain the current number of opening hours in all our libraries and at the same time buy a reasonable selection of new books, which is what most of our customers want.
"As a result the number of loans from branch libraries has declined seriously for at least ten years. Most of the complaints we receive from customers are about the poor choice of books available to them.
"Reflecting the seriousness of the situation, the SELB's Library Committee held a special meeting on Wednesday, October 27, to consider what action has to be taken for the Service to manage within its budget and respond to readers' needs in the next financial year.
"The Committee looked at the possibility of closing some small libraries and of reducing opening hours in a large number of other libraries. As a result the Library Committee is recommending to the Board that opening hours be reduced at 15 smaller libraries.
"SELB Board members will be considering the recommendation when they meet on November 18."
| LIBRARY |
ISSUES 03/04 |
CURRENT HOURS |
PROPOSED NO OF HOURS |
| |
|
|
|
| Newry |
163,748 |
53 |
53 |
| Lurgan |
133,645 |
49 |
49 |
| Portadown |
149,960 |
52.5 |
52.5 |
| Armagh* |
46,208 |
53 |
53 |
| Banbridge |
99,772 |
52.5 |
52.5 |
| Cookstown |
110,956 |
52.5 |
52.5 |
| Dungannon |
117,114 |
52 |
52 |
| |
|
|
|
| Kilkeel |
73,746 |
45.5 |
45.5 |
| Warrenpoint |
61,797 |
50 |
40 |
| Brownlow |
54,932 |
49.5 |
35 |
| Dromore |
32,081 |
36 |
21 |
| Coalisland |
40,096 |
41 |
25 |
| Bessbrook |
30,879 |
24.5 |
21 |
| Tandragee |
36,786 |
38 |
25 |
| Fivemiletown |
33,426 |
28 |
21 |
| Rathfriland |
40,137 |
27 |
25 |
| Moy |
22,525 |
22 |
21 |
| Richhill |
23,486 |
28.5 |
21 |
| Keady |
27,308 |
33 |
21 |
| Crossmaglen |
20,030 |
27.5 |
21 |
| Waringstown |
9,149 |
22.5 |
14 |
| Gilford |
10,893 |
25.5 |
14 |
| Moneymore |
11,668 |
22 |
14 |
*** Armagh Library was in temporary premises during major refurbishment in 2003-04. Loans in 2002-03 were 131,783.
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