Future of Belfast's Libraries announced (Northern Ireland)

"At its meeting on the 27th May, the Libraries NI Board heard that 70 per cent of the respondents to the extensive public consultation process agreed with its vision for a 21st Century library service. The public consultation process centred on a Strategic Review of branch library provision across Greater Belfast. This review evaluated all of Greater Belfast's 32 branch libraries identifying a number which lack the ability to realise Libraries NI's vision for a modern, vibrant library service, offering an enhanced range of books and other resources. It is with regret that the Libraries NI Board, after scrutinising the findings of the review and the public consultation process, approved closure of the following libraries: Andersonstown, Ballymacarrett, Belvoir Park, Braniel, Dunmurry, Gilnahirk, Ligoniel, Oldpark, Sandy Row and Whitewell. These libraries failed to match the vision requirements whilst also requiring major investment which could not be justified alongside declining usage"