Your chance to tell Walsall Council what you think of their idea to close New Invention Library at a drop in session today between 11.30 am and 1.00 pm in the Library at The Square, Lichfield Road.

Unfortunately it looks as if the Tory Portfolio Holder will not be their, he appears to be leaving it to a Senior Library Service Officer. Timing’s not good either as many will be at work

Below are extracts from the Tory Budget Proposals for 2016/17

Proposal 74 – Consider closure of 7 libraries and the Mobile Library Service with retention of 9 libraries and the Housebound Service
The proposal for consultation is to consider closure of 7 libraries (Beechdale, Blakenall, New Invention, Pleck, Rushall, South Walsall, with Walsall Wood book exchange relocated to Oak Park Active Living Centre) keeping 9 libraries and the housebound service as the core library service for the Borough – Aldridge, Bloxwich. Brownhills, Darlaston, Pelsall, Pheasey, Streetly, Willenhall, Central, Housebound Library Service).
The proposal would save a total of £487,912, £328,854 to be delivered in 2016/17 representing implementation at the end of July and a further £159,058 in 2017/18.
Proposal 75 – Implement Open+ technology in retained libraries to support opening hours and enable the more efficient deployment of staff
Open+ is a system which enables access to library buildings and basic facilities without the need to have library staff on site. It works with the existing library management system and will automatically control self-service kiosks, public access computers, security, lighting etc. It has the potential to extend library opening hours and save on revenue budgets by only having staff available at times that have been identified as the busiest.
This proposal would see the implementation of Open+ in those retained libraries which have the appropriate layout and thereby enable staff efficiencies and possible enhanced hours of access. In association with the proposal for the rationalisation of the library network, this would offer savings of around £349,813.
Implementation could be in 2017/18 to allow for the procurement and installation of the system.
How to have your say on these proposals
It is planned that focus groups will be held at all libraries proposed for closure.

Residents and service users can also have their say by emailing libraryconsultation@walsall.gov.ukor by telephoning Allyson Hunt on 01922 650322.
You can also have your say via our short online survey.