In the last few weeks, many people have been in touch with me about the future of libraries in North Tyneside. I wanted to take this opportunity to clarify the situation.
As part of the budget setting process for 2018/19 officers provided a range of proposals for the Cabinet and myself to consider. These proposals for the library service originally suggested closing some branch libraries and reducing the opening hours of others.
I can now advise you that after further consideration of the initial proposals with my Cabinet, no libraries will close and I will be recommending a different proposal to Cabinet and Council.
This new proposal will allow the four main libraries in Killingworth, Wallsend, Whitley Bay and North Shields to remain open six days a week, five weekdays and half day on a Saturday. Our 10 branch libraries would be open three days each week, two weekdays and half a day on a Saturday.
This proposal will be considered by Cabinet on 24 January 2018 and presented to the meeting of Council on 1 February 2018.
The consultation on our full budget proposals is open until 24 January and I would encourage all residents to give us their views here.
Thank you to everyone who has taken part in our consultation and shared their views with us so far.
Norma Redfearn CBE, Elected Mayor of North Tyneside
