There are plans to introduce on a large scale volunteers to work in Skegness Library and other libraries in Lincolnshire. These volunteers are not to enhance the service as many people suggest but will take over from paid staff when they leave or are made redundant. Other steps being considered are, moving the Spilby library into the Co OP and moving Coningsby library into a farmacy.

The Library is far more than a book lending Service, Skegness Library has a large book club, a Local history group, a Knit and natter group, a junior reading group. It is used by the unemployed to seek work, it's a means of keeping in touch with friends and family for those without computers. It holds local newspapers going back a hundred years and it is a very usefull place to do reasearch. It is also somewhere to send a fax from or get photocopies.

A group has been set up calling themselves the friends of Lincoln Libraries and it will be this group who will challenge the changes. If you wish to know how to join please pm me

Can you provide a reference as to the library being 'under threat'?

I only ask because, I was at a meeting not long ago at which Mark Smith (Lincolnshire County Councillor) publicly stated that the possible recruitment drive for volunteers was quite the opposite – part of plans to improve libraries and extend their opening hours.

http://skegnessmatters.tumblr.com/post/24678051952/volunteers-may-be-sought-to-help-man-libraries

So... if there have been new developments to contradict what he said (which wouldn't surprise me) I'd be interested in them.

What is known is the 1.5 million pounds has to be saved from LCC library budget programme. On Monday one of LCC representatives dealing with the proposals Jonathon Platt was asked are Staff losses inevitable and he admitted they were.

We also raised the subject that some library's may have to move into retail premised and when pushed he could not say wether in the future this would not happen in Skegness.

Thanks for the extra info S47.

I think this may put some people's minds at rest:

Skegness library 'will remain where it is' says councillor – Skegness Standard

Here in N.W.Cambridgeshire we had the same rumours floating about last year, the Library (controlled by Fenland DC) may close, be staffed by volunteers etc.etc.

What has happened is - two machines have been installed to allow customers to book their loan books in and out, probably saving two full time staff ( tho' these machines must have cost a fair bit) and about sixteen hours have been lopped off the opening times.

The Library still operates as efficently as before and is open Saturday morning tho' the evening opening and some afternoons have gone. The only people to suffer are the staff who have lost their jobs or some hours and I must sympathasize with them but the effect on the general public has been minimal.