Public opinion sought on Suffolk's mobile libraries

A consultation asking users of Suffolk's mobile library service how they think savings could be made was launched yesterday. The six week consultation will give people an opportunity to tell Suffolk County Council what they value in the service as well as make suggestions on how to save public money.

Suffolk County Council currently spends £600,000 a year providing the service for around 7,000 customers. This equates to £7.70 per customer visit as opposed to £2.51 in Suffolk's 44 built libraries. Six mobile libraries (plus a backup in case of breakdowns) make 630 stops fortnightly in 361 communities across the whole of Suffolk - predominantly in rural and isolated areas but also in areas with or near to library buildings.

Visits to mobile libraries have declined by 36,744 (32.46%) over the last 10 years and loans have decreased by 123,090 (37%). Statistics in the past three years show a rise in borrowing.

The main proposals being consulted on are:

1. Reducing the service from fortnightly to four weekly or monthly visits - as is the case in Norfolk and Cambridgeshire
2. Removing mobile library stops in parishes or towns which already have a library building.

If implemented, the proposals would save £225,000 of public money annually.

No decisions will be made until after the consultation responses have been thoroughly examined. Suffolk County Council's Cabinet will decide on the way forward in November 2011. For some people living in Suffolk's most rural communities, the mobile library service plays a significant role in given them access to reading and learning.

Councillor Judy Terry, Suffolk County Council's Portfolio Holder responsible for libraries, said: “There is therefore no question of removing it altogether. I want to reassure people that these proposals will not leave anybody who currently uses mobile libraries without any level of local library provision.

“What we're asking people for are their views on how to keep it running whilst making necessary financial savings. We think we can save money whilst keeping a valued public service running. But that decision is a long way off. Now's the time to work with Suffolk residents to find out what they want to happen.”

Villagers wanting to make their views heard are encouraged to visit the consultation website.