As many readers of this list will know, Gloucestershire County Libraries are proposing drastic reductions to their 2011 budget which, among other things, will involve the closure of 11 libraries unless community volunteers come forward to run these as locally managed and funded libraries.

A cabinet member has recently advocated that such community run libraries could directly charge customers either for membership or for the loan of books. This is on the basis that these libraries will not be covered by the 1964 Public Libraries & Museums Act as they will not be part of the County Council.  The County Council has confirmed that it thinks this is legal.

This proposal places a triple whammy on community library users – paying through their council tax (for no local service!); paying via the parish council precept or to the local community for running costs of the local library; and pay in the library itself!

What do others think of this proposal?  Isn’t it the thin end of very big wedge?  It amounts to direct charging through the back door.  

Other Councils with libraries under threat need to be aware of this very sinister development.

Liz Dubber