Ní Chuilín emphasises importance of library services

Libraries Minister Carál Ní Chuilín today indicated that she will address the pressing needs in the public library service, following the outcome of the consultation into library opening hours.
~ Monday, 16 January 2012

The Minister said: “Libraries are an important public service with an essential role in the heart of our communities. That is not only my opinion, but one echoed by the many thousands of people who have made representation regarding the proposed cuts in our library service.

“I have listened intently to the concerns of the public, and I will find a way of protecting our library provision. Our libraries are not only places of books and learning - for many local areas they are a hub, providing vital services which might otherwise be lost.

“Easing the pressure on libraries will mean that Libraries NI does not need to make such major reductions in opening hours. It will also allow it to work intensively with communities to keep smaller libraries in rural areas sustainable.

“My Department, and its sponsored bodies, have already had to take very difficult decisions in light of reduced budget allocations over the next four years. However I will need to re-profile some spending and I have made robust representations to the Finance Minister.”

The Minister has met with the Chair of Libraries NI to discuss its public consultation on reducing Library Opening Hours. She has also heard at first hand the impacts the proposals will have on library users and took part in an Assembly debate on the issue.

Notes to editors:

1. Libraries NI had made its original proposals in light of the budget settlement and the level of savings that were required from it. The Board of Libraries NI determined, reluctantly, that it was preferable to reduce opening hours rather than close a substantial number of libraries. This was on the basis that this approach would protect the network of sustainable libraries into the future and could be reversed if additional funding were to become available.
2. A public consultation was carried out on the proposals from October to 2 December. Over 7,000 responses were received and the Minster and Libraries NI share many of the serious concerns expressed during the consultation.
3. The Libraries NI Board meeting on 19 January 2012 will now consider alternative opening hour scenarios and the Minister will take steps to fund one of these.
4. Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Communications Office Tel 028 90 515047 or email: communications@dcalni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.