Library cuts a ‘mistake’ says Labour

Proposed changes to opening hours within the Capital’s libraries have been branded “a mistake”.

Councillor Ricky Henderson, finance spokesman for the Labour group on the city council, said it was “very sad” to see the city’s 26 libraries bear the brunt of budget cuts.

The Evening News revealed last week that most of the Capital’s libraries will see their opening hours slashed and none will open its doors on a Sunday under radical changes due to go out to consultation.

Cllr Henderson said: “It’s sad to see the library service bear the brunt of such reductions. Until recently, libraries in Edinburgh were developing more as community hubs.

“Add to that internet access, printing/photocopying services, free access to newspapers, magazines and reference books, children’s reading clubs and homework sessions, story times, community news and meetings and you can see how libraries could become more of a community resource.

“However, almost by definition, wider access and use has to be enabled by longer opening hours. Clearly that’s now being reversed, which is a mistake.”