Birling Parish Council responds to library consultation

Birling Parish Council recently responded to the Kent County Council consultation about public libraries.

The response was as follows:

Whilst recognising the methodology to use Data to inform future Library services Cllrs queried whether the data applied was up to date as the sources and timescales for the data used were unclear. There was concern that the information used may not be representative of the recent usage and therefore the conclusion of the reduced opening times for the Library in West Malling could be unsound.

It was suggested that the Library in West Malling might be accessed more widely should the facilities incorporate meetings and activities for specific interest groups.

There was concern that by reducing the hours this would impede future usage of the facility. Birling Parish Council seek confirmation that should the opening hours be reduced, future usage will be monitored to ascertain whether this action has a detrimental affect and further reduces residents use of the Library. If this is the case then present opening hours should be reinstated.

It is not clear from the consultation whether the mobile libraries are affected by this consultation. Birling residents have access to this facility and the council seeks clarification that the service will continue.