UK govt considering public inquiry into library closures

The UK government is considering holding a public inquiry into Lancashire Council’s plan to shut 28 of its libraries, reports the Bookseller.

The government is also considering sending a formal letter of complaint to Swindon Council over its plan to shut 10 of its 15 libraries.

In a letter to Lancashire representatives, libraries minister Rob Wilson said the Secretary of State is ‘minded to’ order an inquiry to determine if the council’s plans to close 28 of the region’s 73 libraries will fulfil the council’s duty to provide a ‘comprehensive and efficient’ library service.

The letter follows a meeting between Wilson and the Lancashire County Council as part of an investigation into the council’s plans, which was instigated by an official complaint from Tory MP Ben Wallace and a local resident.

Wilson also sent a letter to Swindon Borough Council detailing the concerns of a number of residents about the council’s plans for the library service.

The government hasn’t intervened in library closures since 2009.

Category: Library news International