Libraries NI is encouraging individuals to participate in the Northern Ireland-wide public consultation exercise which started on the 10th January.

The consultation process gives people an opportunity to respond to the proposals arising from the second stage of the Strategic Review of public library provision throughout Northern Ireland. In the second stage, 77 libraries across Northern Ireland were analysed in terms of fitness for purpose, potential to deliver library services in the 21st century, location and sustainability.

The review found that the majority of libraries are well-used and sustainable into the future, although some will require development and investment to improve facilities and in one case we are proposing to combine two libraries into one bigger facility, with the proposed clustering of services in Armagh City. Ten libraries have been judged potentially unsustainable; these are Carnlough, Draperstown, Fintona, Gilford, Greystone, Kells and Connor, Killyleagh, Moneymore, Moy and Richhill.

Libraries NI is inviting users of those libraries affected to call into their local library and have their say. Questionnaires can be obtained at any of the libraries named or an electronic questionnaire can be completed through library computers or by visiting the Libraries NI website www.librariesni.org.uk

David Elliott, Libraries NI Chairperson, explains:

“We would encourage users and non-users of the public library service to engage with us in this review, to help us to make the right decisions to ensure we provide all library users with a quality service. No decisions will be made until the Libraries NI Board considers the feedback that we receive.”

The public consultation will run for a 12 week period until Friday 8th April 2011 and questionnaires must be completed during this time. In addition, public meetings are being held in a number of locations including the following venues:

Library                            Date                              Venue for public meeting                              Time

Killyleagh                      Monday 28 February               Bridge Community Centre Braeside Gardens    19:15 - 20:45

Moneymore                  Tuesday 1 March                    Manor House                                             19:15 - 20:45

Fintona                        Thursday 3 March                  Fintona Golf Club                                         19:15 - 20:45

Richhill                         Tuesday 8 March                    Recreation Centre, New Line Road                19:15 - 20:45

Moy                            Thursday 10 March                 The Ryandale, The Square                           19:15 - 20:45

Armagh Cluster             Tuesday 15 March                  Armagh Library (upper floor area)                  19:15 - 20:45

Gilford Library               Tuesday 22 March                   Gilford Royal British Legion                            19:15 - 20:45

Details of all these meetings and consultation documents are available in all public libraries and on the Libraries NI website at www.librariesni.org.uk