Reprieve for North Yorkshire libraries after public outcry (UK)

A local authority is to continue staffing 15 libraries after plans to introduce volunteer-run branches prompted a public outcry. However, the future of eight North Yorkshire libraries remains unclear, with council chiefs still looking for local partners to run the services. As revealed in The Northern Echo last month, North Yorkshire County Council confirmed last night that it had reacted to criticism of its proposed library budget cuts by spreading the savings across the county. Under the new plans, libraries in the bigger towns – including Catterick, Harrogate, Northallerton, Richmond, Ripon, Stokesley and Thirsk – will have fewer staff and reduced opening hours, with no Sunday opening. Libraries in 15 smaller towns – such as Bedale, Colburn, Easingwold, Hawes and Leyburn – will be supported with accommodation, books, IT facilities and broadband connectivity. They will also get some professional staffing based in the library, although at a reduced level - The Northern Echo