Call for inter-lending service in Essex libraries to continue
Originally published by Essex Liberal Democrats
Essex County Council has been urged to retain the inter-lending service between all libraries of all types. At a recent meeting , Cllr Stephen Robinson pressed the Cabinet Member for Corporate and Customer to agree this, but she did not.
Stephen says that 'the inter-lending service it vital to support thriving library services and that if ECC cannot continue the service, then there will be an inevitable decline in book borrowing as there will be no books left to borrow.'
Stephen also pressed for the Cabinet Member's commitment to meet with district and parish tier councils to discuss retaining libraries in their areas.
Reply from the Cabinet Member for Corporate and Customer
'As part of the proposed Future Library Strategy, the inter-lending service between libraries is currently being reviewed to explore how it can best meet requirements.
Since Jan 2019, I have met in person with a significant number of Parish Councils, as well as a range of other groups interested in submitting an expression of interest, including Residents Associations and District Councils. I am keen to continue this level of engagement and work with members to support community solutions for maintaining library services.
On Tuesday 7th May, I e-mailed all Essex County Councillors to remind them of my offer to have individual meetings with Members and representatives from their community that are interested in submitting/discussing an expression of interest. I am surprised at how few County Members have actually approached me for a meeting to discuss the future of their local library.
I would welcome opportunities to discuss the future of Chelmsford Libraries with Cllr Robinson in this context.'