Kent Libraries, Registration and Archives Draft Strategy Consultation

Kent Count Council are undertaking a Libraries , Registration and Archives Draft Strategy 2019-2022 Consultation from 21 November 2018 to 29 January 2019.

The Kent Libraries LRA Strategy Consultation is available online and hard copies available at all Kent Libraries.

Local Lib Dem Campaigner Tim Prater commented:

"All too often these consultations are about cutting staff and cutting opening hours.

"I hope as many people as possible will respond making it clear that they value lthe libraries staff, that hours often need extending, not cutting, and that a library needs a good stock on books as a part of what it does. And having got that message, I hope Kent will LISTEN and safeguard our libraries.

"Sandgate Library is a useful local example. Over the past few years Sandgate Parish Council has taken on running the Library, and in that time, there has been investment in new books, the opening hours extended by opening Tuesaday and Thursday afternoons, and a wide range of new weekly events encouraged. Result: some of the best visitor figures and loan figures of any Kent library, with real growth in the number of visitors.

"In shock news, if the library is open more often at times people want to use them, more people use them. Cutting opening hours leads to a downward spiral of less visitors, less loans, and then another round of opening cuts. We should protect of libraries as the hugely valuable community spaces they are."