Public Consultation on Cuts to Library Opening Hours

July 1, 2016

Libraries NI is proposing to reduce the opening hours of 14 of its busiest libraries in order to meet its current budget demands of which Lisburn City Library is one.

A public consultation is available on the Libraries NI website until the 17 July to identify the most suitable pattern of hours in the 14 libraries concerned. It is proposed that the opening hours in the 14 busiest libraries will be reduced from 54 and 50 hours to 45 hours accordingly, as the current hours are no longer affordable. Lisburn Library is one of the libraries affected by this.

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is opposed to a reduction in the opening hours of Lisburn Library as – in addition to the traditional library service – the facility provided a very important and worthwhile social hub for people, in particular for those persons who may be socially isolated.

Libraries NI is keen to consult with its customers and the link to the online Lisburn City Library questionnaire is available at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/OHR_2016_Lisburn_City_ADULT

The Council is encouraging all residents to complete this questionnaire.  All the information you provide will be treated in the strictest confidence and no individual will be identified in the results of the survey.

The consultation closes on 17th July 2016.