Staff cut by almost 100 at Wolverhampton libraries
Almost 100 library staff in Wolverhampton have been cut in the last five years, new figures have revealed.
The number of workers at 16 libraries in the city has fallen from 161 to 67 since 2014 – in a move called "cultural vandalism" by campaigners.
But council chiefs say the cuts, as well as reduced hours, has been necessary as part of the authority's efforts to save £220 million.
A senior councillor said it was better to have access to libraries than to lose them all together.
Whitmore Reans' library was open for 51 hours a week in 2010, but now it is only open for 15 hours – a drop of 70 per cent.
And Low Hill library has seen opening hours cut by 65 per cent, from 43 to 15, over the same period.
It means volunteers in the city have been called on – with people completing 2,345 hours of free work.
The Liberal Democrats, which released the data following a Freedom of Information request, criticised the cuts.
Campaigner Julian Donald said: "Libraries are often a vital local amenity for people who use them. Our libraries are facing the greatest crisis in its history.
"They're not just about borrowing books or resources, but important as community hubs and helping reduce isolation. But yet this council are slowly slashing services year on year.
"This council have cut paid staff and replaced them with community spirited volunteers, who are propping up the service. It is now at crisis point.”
Councillor Harman Banger, cabinet member for city economy, said the city's 16 libraries would continue to be run – with renovations ensuring they remain modern.
He said: "As has been widely publicised, the council – like others around the country – is facing an unprecedented financial challenge as a result of Government cutbacks, and so we must ensure that our services are sustainable.
"By reducing library opening hours, and with the support of a wonderful group of library volunteers, we’ve been able to make vital savings while also keeping all of our libraries open at the times when people most want to use them – we are sure that customers would agree it is better to have access to libraries with reduced opening hours than to lose them altogether.”
