Don’t miss out on our latest videos on ShotsTV.com and tune in to Freeview 262 or Freely 565 for more entertainment!
The fate of Kirklees’ libraries is on the horizon, as cabinet prepares to discuss the matter once again in September.
In an effort to save money, Kirklees Council has announced plans to transition eight of the borough’s 24 libraries to community-managed models. These libraries would be located in Honley, Meltham, Marsden, Kirkheaton, Skelmanthorpe, Denby Dale, Mirfield, and Shepley.
While the day-to-day operations of these libraries would be handed over to the community, they would still have access to the council’s resources and support.
The proposed changes have sparked controversy, with thousands of residents signing a petition urging the council to reconsider. Cynthia Collinson, chair of the Friends of Mirfield Library group, emphasized the importance of professional staff in running a library.
Concerns have also been raised about the potential loss of jobs and the integration of Customer Service Centres into the library service. The council has engaged with voluntary groups, the community, and staff to gather feedback on the proposed changes.
Stay tuned for updates as the council determines the next steps in this ongoing discussion.