Wrexham.com > News
Posted: Sat 18th Jan 2025
Time is running out for local residents to have their say on the future of Wrexham’s libraries and community resource centres.
The services are facing cuts of at least £185,000 as Wrexham Council looks to address a budget gap of around £28 million over the next two years.
Currently the local authority manages 10 branch libraries, a homelink library and a pop up library, and five community resource centres across the county borough.
However the future of some of these services remains uncertain as Wrexham Council looks to balance the books.
The council has committed to retaining Wrexham Library “as a minimum”, but has warned that some may have to close, have reduced opening hours or be handed over for community councils or third party organisations to run.
In terms of community resource centres the main options on the cards are co-location of services, community assets transfers and working alongside community councils.
However Wrexham Council say that “doing nothing is not an option”.
Residents have until tomorrow (January 19) to put forward their views on the importance of local libraries and community resource centres.
The online consultation puts forward proposals such as providing two or more services in the same location – either in a building owned by Wrexham Council or by another organisation.
Another option would be for Wrexham Council to continue running some community resource centres and libraries, but for other organisations to take over the operation of some of the facilities.
A community asset transfer which would see a local group take over the running is also on the cards.
On top of the either closing or handing over the management of services, Wrexham Council is also planning to:
- Decarbonise the libraries, centres and fleet vehicles through energy efficiency investment;
- Develop digital solutions that enhance the experience of customers
- Review the rent and service charges paid by organisations and businesses based in our libraries and centres
- Provide more volunteering opportunities to enable local people to get involved in helping to run libraries and centres
You can take part in the online consultation and find out more about the plans for Wrexham’s libraries and community resource centres, here.
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