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http://www.thebookseller.com/news/gloucestershire-cuts-greeted-fury.html
 
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/feb/17/libraries-cuts-technology>>
 
 
http://ventnorblog.com/2011/02/16/tim-coates-presentation-well-received/#comments
 
The following announcement was handed to one of the campaigners who attended today's meeting of the full Council.  At the meeting six petitions were presented with a total of 30,000 signatories. During the meeting the key question was asked whether the real issue was about budget savings or was it about cutting services and making government smaller in Somerset. At the meeting the Leader and Portfolio Holder agreed to meet representatives of the campaigners to review their alternative library budget proposals.
 
 

Libraries Service
Somerset County Council has decided to implement a 25% reduction in the budget to the Libraries Service across 3 years starting in April 2011. The 4 hub libraries (Bridgwater, Frome, Taunton and Yeovil), all Market Town Libraries (Burnham, Chard, Cheddar, Crewkerne, Glastonbury, Ilminster, Langport, Martock, Minehead, Shepton Mallet, Somerton, Street, Wellington, Wells and Wincanton) and 4 community libraries (Castle Cary, Dulverton, Williton and Wiveliscombe) will continue to receive funding. The opening hours of each of these libraries will be reduced by 20%. Two mobile libraries will be retained and their routes reviewed to make best use of this service.

Funding for Bishop's Lydeard, Bruton, Highbridge, Porlock, Sunningdale and Watchet Libraries will cease after 30 September 2011. Funding for Milborne Port, Nether Stowey, North Petherton, Priorswood and South Petherton Libraries will cease after 31 March 2012. These libraries will be offered to communities for them to run.