Calls for Wolverhampton libraries to fully reopen amid Covid restrictions
Opposition councillors in Wolverhampton have launched a petition calling on council chiefs to reopen libraries fully to visitors.
Members of the Conservative Group said the Labour-run authority had shown “extreme ignorance” by running a purely click-and-collect service.
It has led to them calling for the sites across the city to reopen to allow people to use computers to find jobs and help tackle unemployment levels.
But leaders in the city have hit back at the criticism – arguing rising coronavirus cases could jeopardise staff safety if libraries reopened.
Conservative councillor Simon Bennett said libraries should reopen to people in need of computers – allowing those without internet access to find jobs.
He said: “Libraries across the city should have reopened by now. Government guidance made it possible to reopen some time ago, why has the council failed?
“At present the Labour-run council are operating a click-and-collect service on books. This shows their extreme ignorance to the fact that libraries are not just for books, with many relying on them for access to computer services, printing, internet access and applying for jobs.
“This is a valuable public service that residents many residents need. The council is treating them with contempt, as usual.”
Libraries across Wolverhampton have remained closed since lockdown, with a service launched for people to pre-order books and items and then collect them.
Careful
The click-and-collect service – We Select, You Collect – has been launched at the Central Library along with libraries in Warstones, Wednesfield and Bilston.
People visiting libraries in Dudley, Staffordshire and Shropshire already have access to computer services – with some residents asked to book in advance.
Leaders in Wolverhampton have said they need to ensure staff are safe before opening the 16 libraries in the city, with virus figures rising in the city.
Figures for the week up to September 5 show an average of 27.09 cases per 100,000 residents – up from 12.6 cases per 100,000 the week before.
Councillor Stephen Simkins, Wolverhampton Council’s cabinet member for city economy, said: “Cases of Covid-19 in Wolverhampton have jumped in recent days and we cannot afford to let our guard down in our fight against the virus. That’s why we are taking a careful and cautious approach to the reopening of all our services, including the city’s libraries.
“The safety of staff and customers is our top priority, and it should be remembered that a good proportion of library members are older people and at greater risk if they were to contract Covid-19.”
