Borrow books and do the shopping at the same time (From Swindon Advertiser)

Borrow books and do the shopping at the same time

7:00pm Thursday 16th April 2009 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
• Comments(1)

CHEERS went up as Swindon Mayor Steve Wakefield unveiled the newly refurbished Walcot Library.

The library in Sussex Square now shares a home with Walcot’s community shop – an idea designed to increase the amount of books signed out.

The library had been previously threatened with closure after only 700 books were taken out last year compared to the Parks library, from which 4,500 were borrowed.

“But the new move is designed to create more interest in the facility, meaning people who are in here to shop will look at the books on offer as well as the bargains.” said Coun Peter Mallinson (Con, Walcot).

This is a win-win situation for the whole community

Shop manager Richard Symonds

“Back when we heard that the library might be in danger, myself and Councillor Nick Martin put our heads together and decided that, as the community shop is so successful, amalgamating the two would be the way forward.

“I think if it wasn’t for us it would most definitely close.”

Shop manager Richard Symonds said the change was a sure-fire hit with the people of Walcot.

“I’d say this is a win-win situation for the whole community, the library and the shop,” he said.

“With any luck, people now coming into the shop will have a look at the books and people coming in to check out a book will peruse the shop.”

But the library has had a mixed response from a few users worried that technology will take the place of service with a smile.

Pauline Payne, from Elizabeth Close, said she was impressed by the new electronic check-out service, but worried she wouldn’t be able to use it.

“I am really happy to see the library has re-opened,” the 63-year-old said.

“I’m only too sorry that there doesn’t seem to be any human staff.”

But library user Helen Weston, from Drakes Way, is thrilled.

“Something like this really brings everyone together in the community,” said the 40-year-old.

“I was concerned when I heard the library was closing because lots of people here can’t get to the town centre, so this really helps.”

Although Walcot library has been saved, libraries in Old Town, Gorse Hill and Even Swindon still face the axe as Swindon Council aims to shave £100,000 from the libraries’ budget.

Both the Labour and Liberal Democrat groups produced alternative budgets which they claimed could safeguard the much-loved facilities, but these were dismissed by the cabinet as unrealistic and unworkable.

Consultations about the future of Old Town and Even Swindon libraries were held on April 8 but Gorse Hill’s consultation will be held on Monday. There will also be further sessions before June.

For more information visit the website at www.swindon.gov.uk.