The Library Service has listened to your feedback and is no longer proposing to make Marsden a Community-Managed Library
You can read the BBC News write-up here, we think it’s a fair representation.
Or you can read the revised proposal here for yourself (pdf reader needed).
On 10th September, the Kirklees Library Service will take a report to the Council’s cabinet meeting making a new proposal to achieve the £912k cuts needed for 2025/2026.
They have listened to the community feedback which strongly rejected the proposal that 8 of the Kirklees Libraries, including Marsden, should become community-managed. Instead, they plan to achieve the reduced funding target through reduced paid staffed hours and opening hours.
The change means that all the Libraries will remain part of the statutory Library provision, something that Friends of Marsden Library believes to be fundamentally important.
Councillor Harry McCarthy confirmed that “the views of local residents and people who use local library services were a key reason for the council changing its plans”.
Diane Barkley, Chair of Friends of Marsden Library, said “It shows that it is worth protesting, and your voices were incredibly important; thank you to everyone who took the time to write to their Councillors and our MP.”
The Fight Goes On
We are very pleased that our feedback has been listened to, but this is not the end of the story. If the recommendations are approved, the Library Service will begin a new period of consultation which will focus on opening hours and paid staff hours as a means of cutting expenditure. Friends of Marsden Library will fight for as many paid staff hours as we can get, and we will need your support – please look out for the consultation, join focus groups, and complete surveys.
Marsden Has Already Made Significant Contributions to Budget Savings
This is why Marsden should not see further reductions in paid staffed opening hours:
- The opening hours have already been reduced from 30 hours per week to 20 hours per week
- The Library does not pay rent or service charge for the use of the space in the Mechanics: as the Mechanics is owned by the Marsden community, that means we are already subsidising it.
- The community provides volunteers to match paid staff hours.
- Friends of Marsden Library raises awareness of the Library Service, and funds to support activities that add value.
Libraries are so important to sustainable communities, and never more so than now, when hardship is affecting families throughout our area. As the report itself found, Libraries are more than just places to read and borrow books. They are places where communities come together and residents can learn new skills, join groups for fun and company, and pursue personal development. They are a lifeline for people to seek support and access public services, being closer to residents’ homes and providing tailored and localised support.
And we would add that they are places where everyone is welcome, there are no criteria to be met, or charges to be paid, no limits or expectations.
What Happens Next?
The Council will meet and discuss the proposals on Wednesday 10th September.
If they are approved a period of consultation will begin, which could start immediately.
What Can You Do?
Take part in the consultation and help us make the case to retain our staffed hours in Marsden Library, and continue to express your views to your Ward Councillor and our MP.
Carry on Using Marsden Library!
