Sandwell libraries face cuts to hours

Libraries in Sandwell borough face having their hours slashed as part of cost-cuttting measures announced today.

Sandwell Council plans to reduce opening times at the borough's 19 libraries overall by 30 hours.

Opening times would be cut from 743 hours to 713 a week, or 4.2 per cent.

The reduction could see visitor numbers fall by 64,000 a year and will have "implications for the workforce in terms of numbers and working patterns", a new report reveals.

The proposals have been put forward as the library service faces budget cuts of 20 per cent over the next three years. It is expecting a reduction of £415,000 in 2012/13 and £900,000 from 2012/13 to 2014/15.

Part of the report, which will be discussed by council bosses next Thursday, states: "In the light of this financial challenge it will be necessary to review the delivery of the service, and the implications of this for 2012/13 are a reduction in opening hours.

"This will have implications for the workforce in terms of numbers and working patterns, which will be covered by a further report in February 2012."

The biggest reductions would be at Hill Top Library in West Bromwich and Oakham Library in Tividale which would lose three-and-a-half hours in opening times per week.

Sandwell leisure boss councillor Linda Horton, said the authority had been forced to explore ways to continue running the library service in the face of budget cuts.

Existing and proposed opening hours for each library

Hill Top Library – existing 20.5 hours per week; proposed 16

Great Bridge – existing 48; proposed 47

Rounds Green – existing 27.5; proposed 25

Oakham – existing 27.5; proposed 24

Langley – existing 36.5; proposed 34

Brandhall – existing 27.5; proposed 25

Cradley Heath – existing 37; proposed 34.5

Tipton – existing 37.5; proposed 36

Hamstead – existing 35; proposed 32

Stone Cross – existing 38; proposed 35

Bleakhouse – existing 45; proposed 43.5

Great Barr – existing 35.5; proposed 35

Glebefields – existing 42.5; no change

Blackheath – existing 39; proposed 38.5

Wednesbury – existing 50; proposed 49.5

Thimblemill – existing 45.5; proposed 44.5

Smethwick – existing 53; proposed 52.5

Oldbury – existing 47; no change

Central – existing 50.5; no change

All libraries – total existing opening hours 743; proposed opening hours 713