Two Rotherham libraries threatened with closure

TWO libraries face closure and others will see opening hours cut under new council plans by to “modernise” the service.

Rotherham Borough Council has revealed that Kimberworth and Kimberworth Park libraries could be shut down and replaced with visits by mobile versions—despite each one having more than 600 regular users.

Closing times at Brinsworth, Dinnington, Thurcroft, Greasbrough, Kiveton Park, Maltby, Swinton and Wickersley libraries will be brought forward, reducing access by up to ten hours per week.

The changes follow an “assessment of need” exercise by council officers, which will also see opening hours extended at the five most popular libraries—Riverside House, Aston, Mowbray Gardens, Wath and Rawmarsh.

Customer and cultural services manager Elenore Fisher said: “In the current economic climate, it is vital that every penny we spend gives the best possible value for money and we believe our proposals will deliver that.”

A public consultation process—including online surveys and public meetings held at libraries throughout July—will review how each library is used and how both users and non-users think the service can be improved.