"SOS call for libraries"

Six years ago Sheffield Council took the decision to hand over half of the city’s libraries to volunteers. In 2014 Sheffield had 28 council-run and staffed libraries, we now have only 12.

This situation has seen reductions in usage such as book loans which have been reported in The Star and in other publications. In addition to this we have been faced with the prospect of two of the city’s most cherished historical library buildings at Central and Walkley libraries being turned into a five-star hotel and a bar respectively.

Sheffield Libraries SOS argues that in light of the facts that the funding for volunteer libraries comes up for renewal this year, book loans are down dramatically since the transfer to volunteers and that whole swathes of the city do not have access to a staffed library service, that now is the right time for Sheffield Libraries to start running all libraries with council staff once again and to reintegrate all 16 co-delivered and associate libraries back into the council library service.

If any Star readers agree that all Sheffield Libraries should be run by staff they can email the cabinet member for libraries at [email protected] to voice their concerns, or can do so to any ward councillors in their area.

People can also visit the Sheffield Libraries SOS Page at fb.me/sheffieldlibrariessos and send messages to the campaign via facebook messenger at m.me/sheffieldlibrariessos.