Debate over future of Kirklees libraries ongoing over mass job cuts

Thousands of Kirklees residents have objected to looming job cuts at the borough’s libraries as the council tries to move some to a community-run model.

Under the controversial plans, eight of Kirklees’ 24 libraries would be community-run. These are located at Honley, Meltham, Marsden, Kirkheaton, Skelmanthorpe, Denby Dale, Mirfield and Shepley.

These proposals have been heavily criticized by the public, community groups and councilors across the political spectrum. More recently, a petition with 3,120 signatures was submitted to Kirklees Council opposing the plans, which would also see 47 jobs axed.

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The petition says: “We believe libraries are a vital public resource and urge the Council to keep all Kirklees libraries professionally staffed where the business case supports it and to reconsider moving to volunteer-run models. We call on the Council to halt the proposed management changes and maintain current staffing levels to ensure high quality library services.”

With more than 3,000 signatures – the threshold to trigger council debate – the petition will be debated at a future meeting. A Kirklees Council spokesman said: “Volunteers and community groups play an important role in making our libraries such an important part of our community, with several communities or town and parish councils now owning the building from which the library operates.

“As many other councils have already done successfully, we are looking to build on this strength and explore ways in which local people and organizations can play a greater role in managing their library alongside Kirklees Council. This includes not just books and learning, but all the activities that put libraries at the heart of their community.

“Like almost every council in the country, Kirklees is facing a major financial challenge. But we believe that getting communities more involved in the management of our libraries is one way we can keep these vital services accessible within our very limited resources. Every part of Kirklees is different and the right solution for that local place will vary, including the balance between the roles of the local community, Borough and Parish Councils and Kirklees Council.

“In all cases the Council will be there to support and enable libraries to be an important part of the local community. This does not always mean that Kirklees Council must take the lead in running it. That is why we are still talking to relevant stakeholders about the right library service for them.

“There will be a consultation process involving stakeholders and the results will come back to cabinet before any decisions are made.” Part of the restructuring of Kirklees’ library services has already been given the go-ahead, with services offered at customer service centers in Huddersfield and Dewsbury to be integrated into the libraries.

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