Sheffield Library - proposed closures

[kat10 10]

I use Broomhill Library twice a week

 

It is a great place Staff very helpful

 

There'll be a Public Meeting on Libraries this Saturday 10.30am at Beacon Methodist Church, Fulwood Rd, Broomhill held by Broomhill Library Action Group (BLAG).

Monday's announcement by the council means that the Library will cease to exist in it's present form as it will be an "independent" library run by volunteers.

BLAG want to talk about what this means for the library and about their proposed legal action against the council's decision.

[Douglas J 10]

If this is a volunteered position, then I do wonder why there aren't more jobless people who actually step up the game and bid for the roles of running of these libraries and deal with managerial issues? As this could also enable a person to learn the organisational structure, the financing and the operational side of an entity. It could look good on a CV...

 

Learning is fine - who would be responsible for organising and supervising the training?

[Areffty 10]

All Sheffield libraries may now stay open, see latest news in tonight's Star Newspaper below:-

 

http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/breaking-all-sheffield-libraries-could-stay-open-with-new-cash-deal-1-6429899

 

Not True! They're going to close the Mobile Library. This affects all sorts of areas of Sheffield, including Dore, Crosspool, Handsworth, Richmond, Grenoside, Oughtibridge, Fulwood, Lodge Moor, Fir Vale, Mosborough, Arbourthorne, Norton Lees, Meersbrook, Foxhill etc.. All 92 stops will go.

[Eamonn Ward 10]

The lack of postings here must reflect the numbness of library campaigners. I just posted this elsewhere:

 

Campaigners suffered through a two act Labour party performance at the Scrutiny Board on Tuesday night and then the Cabinet meeting yesterday. Another example of hundreds of people newly engaging in the democratic process and finding total disillusionment at the end of it. Those that walked out of either meeting were fully justified in their actions. They asked good, searching questions and got no answers.

[Areffty 10]

The lack of postings here must reflect the numbness of library campaigners. I just posted this elsewhere:

 

Campaigners suffered through a two act Labour party performance at the Scrutiny Board on Tuesday night and then the Cabinet meeting yesterday. Another example of hundreds of people newly engaging in the democratic process and finding total disillusionment at the end of it. Those that walked out of either meeting were fully justified in their actions. They asked good, searching questions and got no answers.

 

It's difficult to get anywhere when the councillors ignore all the feedback from the consultation, and ignore all the questions put at meetings.

A large majority of people who responded to the consulation don't want the proposal to go ahead as it is. Yes, most people accept that cuts are necessary, but there are better ways of reducing the cost of the library service than shutting more than half of the libraries. The cuts required of most council departments are of the order of 15%. The libraries budget is being cut by 28%. But they're actually closing more than half the libraries, and cutting 45% of the staff. Where's the logic in that?

 

Councillor Iqbal says that he 'answered all the questions'. He may have spoken in response to all the questions, but that doesn't mean that the words he uttered provided an answer.

[Anna B 1,417]

It's difficult to get anywhere when the councillors ignore all the feedback from the consultation, and ignore all the questions put at meetings.

A large majority of people who responded to the consulation don't want the proposal to go ahead as it is. Yes, most people accept that cuts are necessary, but there are better ways of reducing the cost of the library service than shutting more than half of the libraries. The cuts required of most council departments are of the order of 15%. The libraries budget is being cut by 28%. But they're actually closing more than half the libraries, and cutting 45% of the staff. Where's the logic in that?

 

Councillor Iqbal says that he 'answered all the questions'. He may have spoken in response to all the questions, but that doesn't mean that the words he uttered provided an answer.

 

The most common strategy of politicians. They even have lessons in it, (I kid you not,) along with how to monopolise a debate by saying nothing, in the longest, most time consuming way possible, and without pauses so that no one else can jump in.

Ably demonstrated during Prime Ministers questions, on BBC's Question time, during any TV interviews etc etc etc... It's what passes for politics these days. No wonder people are disillusioned...

[spilldig 190]

Does anyone know if anything has definitely been decided yet,I thought the deadline was Feb 19 ?

[ganda 10]

Does anyone know if anything has definitely been decided yet,I thought the deadline was Feb 19 ?

 

Yes the Council is going to close half the Libraries in Sheffield plus the Mobile Library and lose 100+ staff . Does that answer your question?

[Blackbeard 10]

Yes the Council is going to close half the Libraries in Sheffield plus the Mobile Library and lose 100+ staff . Does that answer your question?

 

The sacked skilled library staff could volunteer to run the libraries, problem solved. The mobile libraries could be converted into soup kitchens to feed the unemployed. There is always a positive side to every story.

[Anna B 1,417]

The sacked skilled library staff could volunteer to run the libraries, problem solved. The mobile libraries could be converted into soup kitchens to feed the unemployed. There is always a positive side to every story.

 

Would you do your job for free?

[Blackbeard 10]

Would you do your job for free?

 

Anna, I have many friends who work for the library service who's jobs are under threat. I have also seen an email asking for volunteers to run libraries stating that no experience or skills are required, I thought it quite an insult to the many highly qualified library staff who will lose their jobs. I showed the email to an ex librarian asking if they would volunteer, the reply was, they were too over qualified to do the work.

Edited February 21, 2014 by Blackbeard

[woodmally 10]

Big Book protest - tomorrow (Saturday 23rd March) at 12pm outside Sheffield Central Library.

 

Tell the government and the council why they've lost the plot, why you want libraries to stay open and run by paid, professional staff. Tell us why libraries mean so much to you...

 

A peaceful family-friendly protest against cuts to library services in Sheffield. Let's make sure the story of Sheffield's Libraries has a happy ending.

 

Please forward this to anyone who might be interested!

 

I'd be more interested to find out how your band of protesters suggests we get the money to pay for them. Its ok protesting and I'm sure the fibdems and socialist worker will join you but if you dont know how to pay for it where you will get the money from then there is no point.

 

I am not trying to belittle your campaing I think the libraries are a great institution I just dont think we have the money. If you have any funding ideas let us know I would be happy to listen.