Tory Kent County Council is planning to cut the opening hours of 99 libraries by 20 per cent. The plan will mean Swanley library will lose ten hours a week. There will be staff reductions. Fees and charges are likely to be increased.
Overall, there will be a cut in library hours, although some libraries in affluent areas of Kent will see their opening hours increase.
Kent County Council is spending £11.5 million pounds less on libraries than it did in 2010/11. This is a cut of £11.3 million, and it is the poorest regions who have been hit the hardest.
Libraries are a vital part of a community. The proposed cuts to library hours in Swanley are part of the Tory destruction of our community. It is a focal point for children and people of all different ages and backgrounds coming together. Libraries also offer educational resources that are beyong the reach of many children and people on low incomes. Join the struggle to keep our libraries open for all. Sign the petition below:
Keep Kent Libraries Open Petition