Funding cuts threaten South Tyneside libraries

Funding cuts are threatening to close the doors of libraries in South Tyneside. Credit: PA

South Tyneside residents to have their say on the Borough’s library services.

Funding cuts are threatening to close the doors of libraries in South Tyneside.

In a bid to keep up with cost cutting measures the council is putting forward plans to run the services more cost effectively.

One suggestion from the council is to focus on "fewer but better facilities":

The Council’s proposals also look to deliver future library services from four multi- service ‘hubs’ at:

  • The Word in South Shields

  • Hebburn Central

  • Jarrow Hub

  • Cleadon Park

Further to the suggestion of merging libraries in to 4 main multi-service hubs, the council is calling on volunteers to take over the running of another 4 libraries in the area:

  • Whitburn

  • East Boldon

  • Boldon Lane

  • Primrose

The consultation runs from 1 June until 31 August after which the responses will be analysed and a report prepared for presentation to the Council’s Cabinet in the autumn.

Cllr Kerr added: