Libraries in the borough will benefit from an extra £5000 worth of books thanks to extra funding approved by Basildon Council’s Housing and Communities Committee.
The funding was allocated by the Committee following points raised about the demand for popular reading material and its availability.
This week, (Tuesday 20 August), a cheque worth £5,000 was presented to Essex County Council to purchase books for all seven of Basildon borough’s libraries. This cheque was presented to the cabinet member with responsibilities for libraries, Cllr Susan Barker by the Leader and Deputy Leader of Basildon Council.
Following the cheque presentation, Cllr Kerry Smith, Deputy Leader of Basildon Council said: “It is important for the long term future of the borough’s libraries that they are stocked with books that are in current demand. We will be bringing an update on this spending to my Committee in six months because I am keen to make sure we get the best possible library service for our residents”.
Cllr Susan Barker, Cabinet Member responsible for Library Services at Essex County Council, added: “I thank Basildon Council for this donation and will ensure it is spent appropriately across Basildon Libraries. I welcome further meetings with Basildon Council to discuss the future of libraries across the borough and how we can reverse declining usage.”
