Libraries future debate delayed

Crunch talks on the future of libraries in Dudley have been delayed for another three months, it emerged today.

Council bosses had been due to discuss the future of the borough's 19 venues at a meeting next week.

Although they had pledged no jobs would be lost as part of the review, the cabinet member responsible for libraries has said he could not rule out any closures.

Councillor Michael Evans said the decision had been postponed to allow those involved to compile all the information needed.

"We are accumulating a lot of information," he said.

"What we want is to give the people of Dudley a first class service. We are looking at how we can improve services and it is vital we spend as much time as is necessary doing that."

A far-reaching review of the council-run libraries began last August, prompting fears some may shut while others are expanded.

Councillor Evans has said he was unable to safeguard the future of Dudley libraries.

"It would be wrong of me to do that at this stage, but whatever we do will be with the best interests of the people of Dudley in mind," he said.

"Different libraries in the borough offer different things and it is about how we manage them to provide the best service possible for users.

"But I would stress that the jobs of library staff are secure and that is something I want to make very clear. We have an excellent team of people working at all our libraries and they are crucial to maintaining what is a great service."

He said one of his main priorities was to increase the number of books at the borough's libraries.

"It is important first of all that we bring the stock of books up to an acceptable level," he said.

"But the libraries offer a very wide range of different services. A lot of them run classes and groups and that is something I would like to see expanded."

Assurances regarding library jobs came as a welcome relief to employees after it had previously been suggested there would need to be "rationalisation of some roles".