Not All Doom And Gloom Yet For Killyleagh Library

“However, Killyleagh has given cause for concern and the recommendation is to close. But no decision has yet been made. Through the public consultation exercise we need to hear the full story from the people of Killyleagh and the wider community. Usuage is not as strong as it should be. “Also, we are sitting tenants in a property owned by the South Eastern Regional College and it is in poor condition and will require considerable work done. It is difficult to invest in this in the current climate. [caption id="attachment_19090" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="The fight is on to save Kilyleagh Library. But a community solution may be the only answer. "][/caption] “The consultation is running from the 14th January to 8th April. After that the Board will examine the information in front of it. This will be considered in June. We want to listen to the community’s views. And we also expect a formal response from Down District Council.” A number of councillors then engaged with Mrs Knox over a number of issues and asked questions. Councillor Billy walker said, “We are very concerned at the threatened closure. After the public meeting there were still a lot of question not answered. We need to know all of the facts. The Killyleagh library performs a number of functions in our community and cannot be replaced by a mobile service. It is a one stop shop.” Councillor William Dick also said, “I have attended different events recently by the campaigners and there is one clear message across the board… the community want the library retained. All of the councillors support the commnity on this. It is unambiguous. A library is a focal point in a community and a mobile library will not be the same.”  Councillor Dick then teased out the scenario that if the building were purchased by a group of business people, and leased back to the Libraries NI, would that be an acceptible solution? Mrs Knox said, “We are here to try and find adequate solutions to this and would welcome this approach as an option to solving this problem.” Councillor Maria McCarthy added, “In the Libraries NI Corporate Plan, it states that the organisation has committed to being guided by five values. The first of these being “Customers come first”. I would urge you to put the needs of the 16,900 visitors to Killyleagh Library and the 950 active borrowers in last year alone, first. It is unacceptable that one of the reasons Killyleagh Library has been earmarked for closure, is due not being compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act with regards to the front doors not being disability compliant with legislation, staff facilities being below standard and not equipped for people with disabilities. I believe it is a disgrace and I am appauled that this is being used as a reason to propose the closure of the library. If every school or public building took the decision to close their doors because the facilities did not meet DDA legislation, the country would grind to a halt.” Mrs Knox said, “We have sent out many leaftelts since the public meeting inviting community comments on the library service in Killyleagh.” Councillor Robert Burgess asked, “Would Libraries NI not just buy the property outright.?” Mrs Know replied that it would be highly unlikely that capital funding would be found in the current economic climate. In discussing the merits of the mobile library service, Councillor Eddie Rea said, “It is difficult to establish just at this moment what mobile provision would be required.” As the discussion developed, Councillor Mickey Coogan asked, “Has an Equality Impact Asessment been completed? This affects staff as well as users. has there been any discussion to find a community-led initiate? Killyleagh is an ideal location and the groups there are very organised and effective.” Mrs Knox said, “A strong case has to be made  by the community for this to work.” Councillor Peter Craig said, “Killyleagh is entitled to the same service as everyone else. Ther will have to be a review of the mobile library provision. It cannot replace the services of a proper libary.” Mrs Knox said the meeting that all channels would be open for discussion to the Council up until the decision time in June. One key point emerging from the discussion was that Libraries NI had not made a business case for a new library in Killyeagh to DCAL for consideration as Mrs Knox felt that it woud have been futile given the economic climate and lack of capital funding available after the government spending review. Meanwhile, Down District Council has pledged its support to the retention of the Killyeagh Library and the Killyeagh community and campaigners will be hoping for a stay of execution until this issue is resolved.]]>