Hoylake Library campaign gathers momentum

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Campaigners opposed to the proposed closure of Hoylake Library are working on ideas to keep it open.

The branch is among 11 across the borough that will close unless community organisations can be found to take them over.

It is part of a budget saving plan to help plug a £27 million in Wirral Council’s finances.

Earlier today, the group gathered outside the branch to draw attention to the issue.

Organiser Clare O’Grady – who has set up an online petition which has been signed by 1,150 people – told West Kirby Today: “It was great to see people coming out to support the library today.

“There’s lots of offers to help support the library by volunteers and ideas for community ventures in the upstairs space.

“Hoylake has such a lovely community spirit and it is amazing to speak to so many people who are keen to do what they can to keep the library going as part of the hub of this beautiful community.”

Among those who want the library to stay open is five year-old Liam Philip (pictured above), who has drawn a poster calling for the library to stay open because he enjoys borrowing and reading its books.

The campaign’s online petition can be found at https://www.change.org/p/wirral-council-save-hoylake-library?redirect=false.

There is also a Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/600122997750331/.

What is being proposed?

There would be four main sites at West Kirby, Birkenhead, Wallasey and Bebington, open six days a week.

A further four community libraries in Heswall, Moreton, Upton and Eastham would be open from Monday to Friday.

There would also be five self-service (unstaffed) sites at Leasowe Millennium Centre, Beechwood, Ridgeway, St James Centre and Seacombe Children’s Centre.

The council is also proposing an electric vehicle library with 3,000 books which would provide a mobile service in areas where buildings close.

The digital library e-reader service and school library service would continue.

A consultation is planned in February and March, with the outcome reported to a council committee later this year.