Newcastle Alliance Councillor Patrick Clarke has asked Down District Council to write to the Chief Executive of Libraries NI following the proposals to reduce the opening hours at Downpatrick Library from 53 hours to 40 hours per week as well as a reduction of opening hours to other libraries in Down District.
Councillor Patrick Clarke stated: “At the Council meeting on Monday night I voiced my very serious concern at the proposed reduction of hours from 53 to 40 hours to Downpatrick Library, which also houses the County Down historical collection.
“I asked that Down District Council write to Irene Knox the Chief Executive of Libraries NI to voice the Council’s concern at the proposed reduction in opening hours from 53 to 40 to Downpatrick Library.
“I am pleased that Down District Council has seen the importance of retaining front line public services and has agreed to write to the Chief Executive of Libraries NI as part of the consultation process.
“It will be very interesting to see Libraries NI rationale behind the proposed reduction in opening hours to Downpatrick Library as the number of people already using the Heritage Gallery which houses the County Down historical collection in Downpatrick library has increased since its opening.
“It is disappointing that Libraries NI is proposing these changes regarding Downpatrick Library and I hope that they will listen to the concern of Down District Council’s opposition to any reduction in opening hours to libraries in the area.”
ENDS