Public’s views sought over Kells and Connor library

Libraries NI wants local people to participate in the ongoing Northern Ireland-wide public consultation exercise on library provision.

The consultation process gives people an opportunity to respond to the proposals arising from the second stage of the Strategic Review of public library provision throughout Northern Ireland and there will be a public meeting in Kells and Connor Community Centre on Thursday, February 17, from 7-8.30pm.

The library in Kells and Connor is one of 10 judged ‘potentially unsustainable by the review.

In the second stage, 77 libraries across Northern Ireland were analysed in terms of fitness for purpose, potential to deliver library services in the 21st century, location and sustainability.

The review found that the majority of libraries are well-used and sustainable into the future, although some will require development and investment to improve facilities.

The 10 libraries judged potentially unsustainable are Carnlough, Draperstown, Fintona, Gilford, Greystone, Kells and Connor, Killyleagh, Moneymore, Moy and Richhill.

Libraries NI is inviting users of those libraries affected to call into their local library and have their say. Questionnaires can be obtained at any of the libraries named or an electronic questionnaire can be completed through library computers or by visiting the Libraries NI website www.librariesni.org.uk

David Elliott, Libraries NI Chairperson, explains: “We would encourage users and non-users of the public library service to engage with us in this review, to help us to make the right decisions to ensure we provide all library users with a quality service. No decisions will be made until the Libraries NI Board considers the feedback that we receive.”

The public consultation will run for a 12 week period until Friday, April 8, and questionnaires must be completed during this time.