Library closure fears as councillor admits 'there's no money'

The future of Cardross Library was discussed by community councillors, with the facility having been temporarily closed on staffing grounds.

 

Leisure trust liveArgyll, which operates libraries on behalf of Argyll and Bute Council, has said that Cardross Library has been closed since Tuesday, January 7, while Tiree Library has been closed since Tuesday, November 12.

 

There are now concerns that other libraries could come under scrutiny when the council sets its budget for the 2025/26 financial year next month.

 

It was also suggested that Cardross Library could be manned on a voluntary basis in future, should a volunteer come forward.

 

The leisure trust said that it understood the concerns and was “working diligently” to meet the challenges it faces.

 

Cardross Community Council convener Dr Patrick Trust said: “Cardross Library is very concerning, and I have had several people contacting me, noting that the library is shut at the moment. People are not happy.

 

“One said: ‘liveArgyll said to me by email that it would be closed for months due to staffing. I have been advised that they are monitoring the number of complaints while it is closed to see if it is worthwhile continuing the service.’

 

“We have been here before at least twice, once being asked to open the library in this room (at the Geilston Hall), which we refused.”

 

Councillor Paul Kennedy (Liberal Democrat, Helensburgh and Lomond South) said: “There is no money. The budget is coming up, and we were discussing part of it, including libraries, today (Monday, January 20).

 

“There is only one employee, who has had a protracted period of absence, and while they are off the library is closed.

 

“Usually they could fill it with somebody from Helensburgh, but they cannot do that now because of money and lack of staff.

 

“There was a suggestion of whether you could have a volunteer to man the library. That is a possibility if you want somebody in the community to open it.

 

“They would need a bit of training, but the facility would be available to the community.”

 

Dr Trust added: “The library does a lot more than that. We need to let them know it is unacceptable.”

 

A liveArgyll spokesperson said: “Tiree Library is temporarily closed. We are actively recruiting to fill the vacant library position and exploring all options to resume services.

 

“Cardross Library was temporarily closed on January 7 due to staff resourcing issues. Unfortunately, we cannot provide a specific reopening date at this time.

 

“In the meantime, we encourage Cardross members to use Helensburgh Library, where they can return and borrow books as usual. Additionally, we offer a comprehensive digital service on our website, allowing access to a wide range of resources from home.

 

“Currently, only Cardross and Tiree Libraries are temporarily closed.

 

“All liveArgyll services, including our libraries, are partly funded by Argyll and Bute Council through an annual management fee. Future service provision and delivery models will be reviewed based on available funding.

 

“As funding levels for the upcoming budget have not yet been agreed upon, we cannot provide specific comments on the future of library services.

 

“However, what is certain is that liveArgyll is facing additional financial pressures, including a £155,000 increase due to UK Government national insurance changes. This will necessitate a review of all services to ensure costs align with available funding.

 

“We acknowledge the concerns raised by Mr Trust and the community regarding the closure of Cardross Library. We are committed to exploring all options within our available resources to resume services as soon as possible.

 

“We understand the importance of library services to the community and are working diligently to address these challenges. We appreciate the patience and understanding of our customers during this difficult time.”

 

An Argyll and Bute Council spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the authority’s budget would not be set until February 27.