Cambridgeshire County Council is looking to save £2 million from its library budget — about 30%.

On Monday (August 9th) they launched a consultation on different services and facilities. There is a series of public meetings and roadshows as well as a questionnaire at libraries and online at the County’s webpage.

Views are sought on the following cuts:

• possible new shared and/or externalized management and support
• self-service machine and greater use of volunteers
• streamlining the mobile library service
• new support for Library Access Points
• a review of library provision in the city and surrounding area

as well as ways of increasing income.

The meetings in the city are at Central Library: the first was on 10th August and the next is 9th September, 7.00 – 9.00 p.m.

The Library Garden Project website is being used as a discussion forum for the consultation.

Users of Rock Road Library in Queen Edith’s may also be interested in becoming a Friend of Rock Road Library, which supports the library by raising enthusiasm as well as funds, putting on various events.To join the Friends, contact the Membership Secretary Katie Knapton at 61 Rock Road. One of the benefits is 12 free DVD loans a year.

Two more library dates for your diary:

Saturday 4th September, 10.00 – 11.30 a.m: Second-hand book sale

Friday 24th September, 7.30 p.m.: Friends’ AGM and Library 75th birthday celebration

Time is running out to comment on the competition to run a new primary school on Gunhild Way — the County Council’s consultation closes this Friday. If you haven’t already commented, you can do so up till 20th August, by writing to David Clark at Cambridgeshire County Council (david.clark@cambridgeshire.gov.uk).

Comments are invited from everyone, but the choice of provider of the new school is especially important for parents of children about to go to school, ie those currently at nursery school or younger, who will be applying to primary school soon. Astonishingly, nursery schools have not been included in the consultation.

There is a significant amount of local interest, but please spread the word, as I am still getting people telling me they are unaware.

Many people have heard through email grapevines, chat forums etc. There is a Facebook page about it, which draws together individuals’ comments as well as press reports. If you’re on Facebook please share the page with any local parents.

The Queen Edith’s Liberal Democrats will be holding their next Jumble Sale on 4th September.

The proceeds of the sale pay for our printed newsletter FOCUS, which goes to every home in the Queen Edith’s ward.

If you have clothes, toys, bric-a-brac (not furniture), please let my colleague Geoff Heathcock know on 244901 or bring them on the morning between 10am-12 noon.

We are not selling books, but there is a separate book sale on the morning of the 4th at Rock Road Library, in aid of the Friends of Rock Road Library (contact Katie Knapton on 212089.

JUMBLE SALE

Saturday 4th September

2pm

St James’ Church

Wulfstan Way