Three Nottingham libraries which had been earmarked for closure in a bid to save more than £200,000 could now stay open under new council plans. Nottingham City Council first revealed at the start of 2022 that it was planning to close the three libraries to save £233,000.
But a "restructure of frontline services" means £154,000 has already been saved to date and that shutting the three libraries would now only save £79,000. Thousands of members of the public also opposed the closure of the Basford, Aspley and Radford-Lenton libraries during a consultation.
A closed meeting in November then saw Labour councillors reportedly voting to save the three libraries, but no official confirmation was given after this meeting and campaigners said the council's delay on the decision was "disrespectful." But Nottingham City Council now says that it wants to keep all existing libraries open.
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The matter is due to be discussed at a meeting of the council's executive board on January 17. In papers to be presented at that meeting, the council says that shortened opening times are now among the preferred options.
The report says: "The transformation principles and revised recommendations provides a positive response to the views and concerns raised by individuals and communities and the strong opposition to closures. The recommendations still enable the transformation to create a modern library service that remains relevant, whilst still responding to financial pressures facing the local authority and the specific delivery of the savings requirement."
The council says it still needs to make savings of £79,000 from the libraries and to do this, the council says it will look at a "targeted" reduction of opening hours across the library network. The authority also says it will look at how libraries can work with other public sector agencies and grow the use of their digital services.
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