A £491k funding boost for Northumberland Libraries from the Government
Northumberland Libraries will receive almost half a million pounds from the Government’s Libraries Improvement Fund, it has been announced.
The £491,022 award is part of a funding package for the North East from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
It includes the introduction of self-service technology that will give residents access outside of staffed hours to 11 libraries.
This is one of the aspects mentioned as part of a recent Northumberland County Council consultation about the future of the county’s library service.
Under the proposals, the opening hours at some libraries would be reduced – but other libraries would be open longer.
Wendy Pattison, cabinet member responsible for libraries, said: “This is fantastic news for residents and all our dedicated library staff.
“We’re working hard to make the service more modern and sustainable and we are striving to provide the best service to everyone.
“This funding will go as long-way to further improving our service and ensuring it is fit for the 21st Century.”
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “I want everyone, everywhere to feel a sense of pride about where they come from.
“Cultural organisations across the North East of England are important custodians of local identity and play a key role in the story we tell ourselves as a nation.”