Cuts to library hours could be eased with staff sharing scheme

Warwick District Council’s executive committee agreed to consult with Warwickshire County Council on looking at whether staff could be shared in libraries where there are ‘one stop shops’ - information points that are run by the district council.

Council officials have suggested that a new staffing model could also enable other services to be run from libraries.

Staff would be trained in skills of both library personnel and one stop shop staff, who provide face-to-face services dealing with issues including bus passes, planning, benefits and council tax.

Speaking at the meeting on Wednesday, Labour group leader Cllr John Barrott (Leamington Willes) said: “The consultation with the staff is very important. We need to get that done as soon as we can in order to get this up and running.”