Future for Tarbert library still not clear
A six-figure boost to library and leisure services in Argyll and Bute has not guaranteed the future of Tarbert Library.
When Argyll and Bute Council last week announced a 9.7 per council tax increase officials highlighted that income generated from the rise would fund improvements to services, including an extra £154,000 for liveArgyll to deliver library and leisure services.
However, when the Advertiser asked if this funding hike would prevent Tarbert Library from closing, liveArgyll chair Mairi Coleman did not confirm this, rather she stressed instead that the future of Islay and Tiree’s libraries would be secured.
Ms Coleman said: “We welcome the additional funding provided by the council in their recent budget announcement. A funding shortfall remains, however.
“It is our intention to resume library services on Islay and Tiree as soon as reasonably practical. We are realistic about the challenges ahead and we need to ensure liveArgyll services are sustainable in the longer term.”
LiveArgyll’s board is set to meet on Thursday March 5 to decide its funding priorities for the upcoming financial year.
“Without prejudging the outcome of our meeting, I anticipate that we will be discussing and agreeing the continuation of our current front-line service offering,” Ms Coleman added.
“It is our intention to further engage with users and key stakeholders throughout the financial year in respect of service offering and future years’ delivery models.”
The liveArgyll chair was referencing the organisation’s recently completed public consultation on the future of its services.
More than 6,500 people responded to the survey, prompting Ms Coleman to state: “With over 6,500 respondents, the feedback demonstrates how deeply valued our services are. It is clear from the responses that the facilities and programmes we deliver make a positive and meaningful difference to the daily lives of our users and the wider community.”
Library users and the wider Tarbert community have, however, responded with outrage over the last year while threats to the library service in Tarbert have continued unabated.
A campaign and petition calling for the library to be saved has been spearheaded by local councillors, school pupils, teachers and Tarbert and Skipness Community Council.
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