Kent County Council Clarifies Amid Library Closure Concerns

In response to the feedback received regarding Kent Libraries, Clair Bell, the Kent County Council (KCC) Cabinet Member for Community & Regulatory Services, issued a statement to address and clarify the current situation.

No Immediate Plans for Closure Despite Financial Pressures

Despite facing unprecedented financial challenges, KCC assures the public that there are no immediate plans to close libraries across the county. Ms. Bell emphasised the council’s commitment to monitoring and reviewing KCC library services to ensure their sustainability in the future. This includes exploring various options, such as the potential for co-locating with other services like post offices or adult education programs, already implemented in certain locations.

Comprehensive Review Considering Multiple Factors

Several factors, including building conditions, maintenance costs, and library usage, will be taken into consideration during the ongoing review. The distribution of libraries across the county is also a crucial aspect of the assessment. Ms. Bell mentioned that initial discussions will take place with parish councils expressing interest in managing a library and exploring ways to support them in doing so.

Transparency and Public Involvement

Ms. Bell underlined the council’s dedication to transparency, stating that any potential changes to the library service would involve a thorough public consultation process. However, she clarified that, as of now, there are no proposals to reduce the number of libraries available to Kent residents.

This statement aims to provide reassurance to the community amidst concerns about the future of Kent Libraries and emphasizes the council’s commitment to maintaining accessible library services for residents across the county.

Source: Kent County Council