For the last 12 years our libraries have been successfully run by a charity with Suffolk County Council's financial support funding just part of the service.  But they are now under threat following a proposed move by the Council.

The charity has transformed our libraries into true community hubs offering a wide range of services, particularly relied on by families, children and some of the more vulnerable members of our community. Remarkably, the service now costs £3 million pounds less now than it did in 2011 whilst offering so much more to local people. All 45 libraries across Suffolk have stayed open with local Friends groups enhancing the offer representing real value for money. And independent research has shown that when managed by the charity, Suffolk’s libraries generate £41m worth of social value, translating to £6 social value for every £1 invested and saving NHS services in Suffolk an amazing £542K every year.

But for reasons that we just don’t understand Suffolk County Council says they want to take the service away from the charity and run it themselves. Even though it will cost the Suffolk taxpayers well over a £1m more for the council to run a basic library service and put jobs at risk.   

Even more worryingly, it’s common knowledge that the Council might be swept away in a couple of years should devolution come in.  How can we trust the Council with our libraries if they are prepared to risk their future against this backdrop?

Why 'rock the boat' when the library service is already supporting our communities so well?  Why fix what is not broken - and what is in fact being upheld as a shining example of libraries working at their best?

This is urgent. The Council will be voting on this move on March 18th.  So we need your support NOW.
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