Sunderland City Council considers selling local libraries in a bid to raise £500,000.
Facing tough budget cuts, Sunderland City Council has said selling libraries could raise much needed cash for the city.
The council has been selling off a number of its assets in an attempt to save £100m after government cuts.
The plans form part of the councils property rationalisation programme’. The council said change of use for former libraries could raise up to £500,000, which will help with some of the financial problems.
According to the council three of the nine library sites it owns are already being leased for community and charity projects. Four have been sold off for housing or commercial developments. The remaining two could be potentially leased to other parties.
Monkwearmouth Library was sold for a capital receipt of £65k, Southwick Library for £75k, and Washington Green Library gained £150k. The site of East Herrington Library was sold for £150k for a new housing development, while a current deal for Easington Lane library is expected to bring in £50k.
A spokesperson for the council said: “As part of a property rationalisation programme, and with the current financial restraints it is operating under, the council continues to market sites and assets.
“This is where it is appropriate to achieve best value and to help support operational efficiencies.”
Community control of libraries has been welcomed by Labour Councillor Michael Mordey, who represents Hendon ward.
Hendon library is currently under community rent and is being used by Back on the Map—a charity which provides courses, a community library, and hub for residents.
Mordey said: “Hendon library was closed in October 2013 and was taken over in April 2014.
“It has become such as vital heart of the Hendon Community and is a model of how the community can take control of its assets, as the community has really taken it to heart.
“It is not standing idle.”
Scottish school children get automatic library membership to increase literacy while everywhere else shuts libraries to save money or expects the community to run them. Do community projects have a qualified librarian?
This is a very shortsighted policy. We are constantly being told that we lag behind most developed countries on all manner of measures of children’s welfare, while at the same time literacy levels are plummeting. Libraries are a vital part of local communities for all sorts of reasons, especially in rural areas. I don’t blame Sunderland in trying as best it can to balance its books – ultimately central government has to take responsibility with its slavish adherence to austerity.
From the point of view of the cosmopolitan (foreigner in this country), leaving and working in education for nearly 40 years; barbaric decisions against those who need access to ‘intellectual heritage’ to progress in life. It is like demolishing achievement of any civilisation. I watch those decisions with disbelief. Years of achievement to be ruin for £500,000! How short-sighted is that?