19 - Library Link locations announced

 

Following consultation with local residents, councillors and community groups, the decision about where to locate two of the borough’s new Library Links has been made.

 

Woodside Library Link, which will replace the existing library on Stourbridge Road, will be at the new Highgate Children’s Centre based at Highgate Primary School.

 

Five potential sites were identified for the Woodside Library Link but following assessment and consultation, Highgate Children’s Centre was found to be the most suitable location.

 

Dudley Wood Library Link will be at Dudley Wood Neighbourhood Learning Centre, replacing the existing library on Bush Road.

 

The neighbourhood learning centre was the only appropriate site identified during consultation.  Again, following assessment and consultation with local residents, councillors and local community groups, it was found the learning centre was a suitable location for the Library Link.

 

The new library links will provide more than 1,500 books, computer access, personal service from library staff for at least 10 hours a week and activities such as homework clubs, reading groups as required by the local community.  

 

Both Woodside and Dudley Wood Library Links will be funded through capital resources identified as part of the library modernisation programme, which was approved by cabinet and ratified by full council in December 2007.

 

“Dudley Council is committed to providing a library service which meets the needs of local people.  Woodside and Dudley Wood library links are going to be located within the community, not far from the existing library and will be accessible to everyone. 

 

“The plan is to close the existing libraries in each area and open the new Library Links at the same time.  We hope this process will be complete by the summer of 2008.

 

As part of the modernisation programme Library Links will also be introduced in Quarry Bank and Pensnett but a decision on locations has not yet been made.

 

For more information about the modernisation programme contact 01384 815551.