Meeting to discuss future of local library (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Meeting to discuss future of local library

THE head of Swindon's library service has agreed to attend tomorrow's meeting to discuss the future of Moredon Library.

Under Swindon Council plans, two managers will be based at North Swindon Library at the Orbital Retail Park rather than at smaller libraries and will spend time at all libraries in the group, which includes Moredon's.

Library users have started a petition against the council's decision to get rid of the chief librarian for the Even Swindon and Moredon libraries, Sarah Checkfield.

Coun Derique Montaut, (Lab, Moredon) said: "Following recent denials by Swindon Council that Moredon Library is to close, and the removal of their chief librarian, local councillors have arranged a meeting to discuss the future of the library.

"We've invited David Allen, head of library services, to discuss the concerns of the Moredon community, and he has accepted the invitation."

Coun Montaut said he would be making the case for greater investment in order to secure the future of Moredon Library.

He said: "The long-term plan is to have fewer libraries in Swindon, but I'll be making the case for greater investment in the libraries that survive. Moredon Library should be a library of excellence where that investment is made."

The meeting starts at 6.30pm at the Rodbourne Arms pub, Cheney Manor Road.