What do you think about our overall proposals for the library service?

Open-Ended Response NOT A LOT, BECAUSE WHATEVER PARTY HAS POWER AT NO-10- its BEEN POLICY LAST 30 YEARS TO PRIVATISE OPENLY OR SLOWLY BACK DOOR. The service should not be disposed of to a commercial organisation run for private profit with the residue of 'community' small outstations left to possibly inconsistent local initiatives. However there might be scope on a selective basis for community involvement. GENERAL The consultation paper and questionnaire appears to be aligned towards eliciting responses from individuals and organisations with possible interest in assuming future responsibility for parts of the library service in Suffolk. This makes for difficulty in the case of those like me who do not have such aspirations, but merely wish to state a view on the County Council's proposals, with suggestions on other possibilities for a way forward. The number of responses may be diminished as a consequence of this, thus lessening the value of the exercise. However I was glad to have the opportunity to say something, and to have had the chance to put some of my points in discussion with Mr Howarth when he came to Stowmarket. Finally, the paper makes no mention of extension work in schools and penal establishments. Even though these may already come under a separate section of County administration, they need taking into account. While some libraries may well benefit from being managed in a different way Suffolk County Council s approach is draconian and may not fulfil the requirements of the 1964 Library Act which states that adults and children should be actively encouraged to make use of the reading material which is made readily available without charge For village people to travel to a central library will incur a cost.

Re: Proposed closure or divestment of Rosehill Library This is mainly to complete part 7 of the Library's Consultation document. I would like to express my dismay at the proposed divestment or closure of my local library, Rosehill. I hope neither of these will happen. These are my reasons, and suggestions. - Reading is one of my pastimes, and the library my main source of reading material. I nearly always have some library books on loan. - Since I moved to the Rosehill area five years ago, I have discovered what a boon it is to have a LOCAL library ie. within walking distance, for these reasons: - Books are heavy: it is much easier, quicker and cheaper to walk to a library than go into town with them. - Due to one night late opening, and being open Sat and Sun, the local library is accesible to everyone on a weekly basis. - Despite the library's small size, I find I can always find several books of interest to borrow on each visit (also DVD's and CD's). - The staff are friendlier and have more time (for a smaller clientele) than at the Central library, and better 'local' knowledge ie. as to the needs/requirements of the local community eg. for books clubs etc. - The information/leaflet rack is a good source of information, and more likely to contain items of particular relevance to the local community (than at the Central library). - Due to the convenience of the local library, I estimate I visit the library at least three times more often than I would if it did not exist( ie. if I could use only the Central library), and borrow about three times more books than I would (ie. instead of just renewing them by phone etc before making the journey to the Central Library). So if Rosehill closed, my book borrowing numbers would decline considerably. - The Rosehill area is particularly rich in having many small local shops, churches, and a primary school, all within easy walking distance for residents - as an area, it is practically self-sufficient. In keeping with this, Rosehill library is an invaluable local amenity catering to the area's intellectual development and entertainment (ie. books, DVD's etc), plus information (eg. leaflet rack). I find having a source of books (etc) to borrow on my 'doorstep' is a vast enhancement to my experience of living in Rosehill, and gives a big injection of 'life', character and value to the local area. - I believe that libraries are the best source of continuing intellectual development for adults (ie. reading), as well as being entertaining (depending on the type of books!). I therefore believe that libraries are vitally important to the nation as a whole, and that libraries should be one of the LAST institutions to be affected by any financial cuts, and certainly not one of the first, as seems to be the case. Indeed, since experiencing the advantages and convenience of a LOCAL library for the first time in my life (in Rosehill) I believe that EVERY local community should have one ie. they should ideally be EXPANDED so EVERYONE has one within walking distance! I realise this is not practicable in the current financial climate, but I believe very strongly that it would be a massive loss to the quality of life of any area if it's local library closed. - Regarding possible DIVESTMENT of the library (eg. to voluntary or private management): this is of course preferable to complete closure, but I believe would greatly inferior to current Council management/funding because: - The quality of a libraries would almost certainly be compromised without Council management eg. if run on a voluntary basis staff would be unlikely to be qualified librarians, private concerns may be more interested in appealing to a 'mass' market and book quality may suffer. - The uniformity of libraries would be compromised if each library ran itself, so members of the public using more than one library (eg. I sometimes use Gainsborough library and Central library, as well as Rosehill) could find it a confusing experience eg. with different technical equipment, book display categories etc in each library. - Finally I would like to make some suggestions to increase the usage and possibly funding of Suffolk libraries: - If each local library is given a clear 'catchment' area, I believe delivering a leaflet at least annually to each house in that area giving details of opening times, facilities offered (eg. cafe, internet, newspapers/magazines with comfortable seating, book clubs etc) would encourage awareness and usage of the (local) library. - Whilst I believe that the Council providing internet facilities (in libraries) is a good one, I also believe computers should not take priority over books eg. at Central library, the computers use a lot of space on the ground floor, whilst the 'arts' books and classical CD's are on the fourth floor .... I believe these positions should be reversed. (I rarely remember or bother to go to the fourth floor even though I am very interested in those subjects.) - A cafe area within each library with the advantage of reading (on loan) current

newspapers/magazines could generate money. The cafe at Gainsborough library is very good. - I believe that art (pictures) is a very compatible subject for a library, and if space allows, I would suggest a small art gallery in every library ... the pictures could be changed often, and include amateur/local artists, who could also offer some pictures for sale (with a 'cut' to the library!). Thank you for reading and considering this.

YOUR PROPOSAL IS TO CLOSE ANY LIBRARY IF AN ALTERNATIVE IS NOT PUT FORWARD BY THE UNPAID VOLUNTARY SECTOR. THIS IS AN APALLING PROPOSAL. YOU HAVE NOT CONSULTED ON ANY OPTIONS FOR ANY OTHER FORM OF SAVINGS! Please see attached report (Report filed with Libraries Consultation correspondence) I disagree. I am disabled and cannot go far Not good because I can't get to Lowestoft Not good because I can't get out to Lowestoft Not thought out Not good as I don't get out much not a lot! I do not like the proposals No good for me I can't walk far Poorly thought-out, and a smack in the face for current hardworking library staff. 1.1 million seems a drop in the ocean compared to the savings needed - where is the rest coming from? I am shocked and disappointed that you would consider cutting the library service. In the current economic climate public access to books and media should be increased. I cannot use public transport and have no car not much thought gone into it. I do not want to see any libraries close. This will be negative for the future of our communities.

Rubbish Perhaps there is more untapped VOLUNTEER assistance available if it cn be found & motivated in TOWNS as well as in villages, where people already know each other & their resources. I am very distressed to be in a county that is going to cut what I consider an essential service. Particularly mind about the children who will lose so much. Definitely not impressed with the proposals. For a start what actual proposals? Except for a couple of name changes and some examples wheeled in from other areas I can't actually see any proposals. Libraries in pubs??? We already have too many instances of underage drinking, let alone drinking problems and general drunkenness in general, so frankly I'm speechless. There is the possibility of course that our children may grow up to be the Dylan Thomas, Truman Capote, Jack Kerouac, William Faulkner, F.Scott Fitzgeral, James Joyce or Ernest Hemingway (all brilliant writers and alcoholics) of their generation but I for one would feel better if the association between alcohol and literature were not made from an early age. Again I reiterate there are no real proposals, just a document with veiled threats. You are asking the public to find solutions to a problem you don't seem to have bothered with a great deal. If the public can't satisfactorily answer the question that it was your job to answer, or take over the running and costs of the library services which it is your job to provide then effectively the community libraries will have to shut down (page 8 of consultation document "If the response to this consultation is disappointing and the county council does not receive viable proposals and ideas from people, groups and businesses and other interested parties for ways to run community libraries we propose funding will stop from 2012.") Community libraries are in "areas of relative affluence according to the index of multiple deprivation 2007", according to your document. Firstly if you knew the new "Indices of Deprivation 2010 was due out in March 2011, then maybe the consultation should only have been started after this date to make sure the facts are accurate and up to date at time of printing. Also the register states it is "a measure of deprivation, not affluence and to recognise that not everybody in deprived areas are themselves deprived and equally that deprived people live in the least deprived areas". It also states that it is a continuous measure of relative deprivation. These community libraries may be situated in what you class as relatively affluent areas but they also serve many of the outlying villages, and there are many disadvantaged people living in these areas as anywhere else who will suffer greatly with the disappearance of their local library, from job seeking to education. It will be harder for the people where the public transport system is generally infrequent and over-priced (and especially hard for the younger generation now that the "explore" card has been axed). The underlying theme to what you are proposing is to replace qualified, paid library staff with volunteers. Volunteers are a good thing and show a healthy, caring society but when you are replacing paid jobs with volunteers, this is something completely different. These are already hard times with great numbers of unemployed and this just adds to the general misery. Perhaps this could be an opportunity for replacing Suffolk County Council's chief executives with volunteers? I'm not just talking about Mrs Hill and her fabulous (almost twice the salary of the prime minister) salary, but the 20 or so top executives. I'm sure their combined salaries alone could run the library services for a decent span of time. Up to now these executives have defended their astronomical salaries with arguments of "we're worth it" and "we could earn this in the private sector". My argument would be if you are worth it then why does it look like there has been absolutely no effort on your part to try to solve this situation in a sensitive and thoughtful way (and the many other situations that need sorting within Suffolk) and quite honestly I don't think there is much quid pro quo with regards to salaries vis-a-vis results. So those CVs may not be looking quite as glossy and impressive as would be required in the private sector. Finally a point that really irks me in your document. On page 2, the inappropriate and unfair suggestion that the only choice is between library services or "essential front line services like the fire services and services for vulnerable people like elderly care". This is hardly comparing like with like. It is a panic inducing tactic used to justify any later cuts should the public not find and fund the solution to your problem. Overall this document should be graded *not good enough, please try harder".

If neighbouring Counties can organise their budget so there are not cuts/changes to library services, why can't Suffolk? It is appauling that such drastic cuts are being proposed to such an essential community need. Libraries are a vital community resource. Accessibility has been an important buzzword in the language of government at various levels for many years. How does this fit with the projected denial of access to those whose library is perhaps a social connection without which, their lives would be impoverishd, their isolation increased and loneliness compounded? The same could be said about the unemployed, the elderly and those suffering from depression or a wide range of other disabilities who at the moment find a place of welcome, safety and support that they find difficult to access elsewhere. Equally what about access for children with the range of early leaning groups and both the valuable experiences for the children and often much needed support for their parents and carers? What of access for those whose reliance upon decreasing and often erratic public transport renders it impossible for them to travel? Lastly what of those whose economic circumstances mean they depend on state support but applications for which are on line? For those who have been left behind or excluded from the electronic revolution there is a danger of further marginalisation if access to helpful, informed and computer literate library staff is denied. In recent years libraries have evolved from being primarily dispensers of books, fundamental though this role is. The arrival of computers, DVDs, CDs, local information outlets, cafes etc has expanded to the great benefit of those who visit. However the diversity of services offered can only be co-ordinated by professional libraries and implemented, in the majority of instances by trained staff. Volunteers are of course a great benefit in a supportive role but the threatened shift towards a predominantly volunteer workforce with massively reduced professional staff would be untenable. It seems demeaning, dismissive and demoralising to your dedicated staff to suggest that volunteers could take over most roles and functions. The flood of legislation to be conformed with has penetrated all parts of public life. If for example a town hall or a locally formed group said they would run a local library, what is the level of commitment envisaged? Would they be responsible for partial or total fundraising? Would they assume the role of employer with all the contractual, training,? support, disciplinary and pension commitments that this entails? Would they be responsible for the selecion of volunteers? Would they be responsible for public liability insurance for all staff and volunteers? What would be the expectation for services such as British Library loans, internet maintenance and on going support? These are just some of the areas that any interested group need to know about The remit for the present consultation seems to narrow, It appears to have already been decided that 30 of the budget will be cut and libraries closed if no alternative funding is forthcoming from other sources. Other countries have conducted a much broader consultation process with the people they exist to serve, to establish public properties in cost cutting. In consequence these countries have guaranteed continuity of their library services by seeking cost cuttings elsewhere Why has this more democratic and accountable approach not been offered to the people of Suffolk? Lastly, this consultation is a response to prevailing economic circumstances. Is there any long term thinking or strategy regarding the development of Suffolks library service in the event of An improving economy A change of government A change in leadership at county level? The proposals are an extremely poor idea. The costs that are being proposed to be saved are relatively small (and should be sourced from other more costly departments), yet the impact to the availability of literature and information for the residents of Suffolk is great. Leave as it is. Stowmarket has excellent staff members + it is a very good library. We think the that the proposals for the library service will leave us without vital services to our communities some of which are set out in the box entitled 'About Suffolk's Libraries'. The Consultation document on the New Strategic Direction is fair and balanced in its format but its objectives are unworthy of a county that value its citizens and helps them play their part in recovering from the current crisis. No civilised country should be without public libraries freely allowing all its people access to information. We would point out that collating individual responses in this way is unsatisfactory unless a forum of local representatives is allowed to read and

comment on the findings drawn up by county officials. Otherwise the process will be undemocratic and open to abuse.

Not all community libraries are within easy reach of the designated county libraries. Given the poor bus services many elderly readers who are dependent on the library will lose the service altogether. Please do not shut them, they took years to get going. I do not approve but if this is what it will take to ensure the survival of the S'wold library, then so be it. EXCELLENT Rubbish. Libraries are an essential public service especially for the development of young people, especially in areas of rural deprivation & poor broadband. stink in the circumstances, satisfactory and sensible. Should be more focused on the individual needs of members of the community. Why cut an important service, that was set to provide the resources so that people can learn to read and gain skills to help them in their work, within the community or workplace. Short-sighted, potentially disastrous, a sure way of becoming even more unpopular, ill thought-out need I go on? I am unhappy about 'privatisation' I pay my taxes for services, not to subsidise a wealthy individual or company to run services for me. 'Privatisation' has only worked to allow wealthy individuals and companies to make money. It does NOT and is proved NOT to save costs or produce efficiency. It is a cynical exercise to allow companies to make money at our expense. I don't approve of the library service being delegated to outside Local Government. What do we pay Suffolk County Council C.E.O. for?? They will be the death of a much valued & appreciated service. Ill conceived and really unfair on staff who have given many years of loyalty. I do not recognise the validity of your proposals. A fully funded public library service is, both culturally and educationally, one of our greatest assets. SCC should support opposition to Gov. cuts. Draconian - far too sweeping. They will jeopardise the future of an invaluable, civilising service, that we are entitle to receive. Please think again. Ill-though through & rushed, similar to this document! Drawn up before listening to librarians & users, it appears! Libraries need to be kept open because they are at the heart of the community and an important asset in The Big Society. Too many cuts too severe and too quickly! As in (6) above. That potentially losing 2/3rds of Suffolk's Libraries is too severe.

I feel that the closure of small, local libraries is injurious to the local community. A library is not just about books. Today, it's also a place for people to meet, communicate and learn. I attend the "Top Time" meetings for older people and these have introduced me to intersting, new topics and interests. It gives me a chance to play Scrabble, Monopoly etc with like minded people & we rerad books that we might not otherwise consider. I really enjoy the arts & craft sessions as I haevn't done any artwork since leaving school. I've also made several new friends through "Top Time" that I now see outside the library socially. It's also important for people who are alone in life; people who find long spells of time on their own difficult. The children's activities are important as it gives them the chance to do artwork etc and associate with other children outside of school. I think the Summettime "Reading Game" is particularly important as it encourages children to read in an age when computers seem dominant. Access to other interests, for both children and adults, makes life more roundwed. Interests that they may not be able to access outside of home & school. Having commented on computers in a slightly negative way, I do feel that access to computers in a library is very important. Certain households ca't affoprd to buy one & children need to eb computer literate at an early age. I find access to the library computer useful as I have limited access at home as my husband's employer's server blocks certain sites. Back to books. Libraries are important for providing books for education. many people wouldn't have had the chance of a good education without the opportunity to borrow the necessary books from a library. There are many families who can't afford to buy books. I also like the fact that I can borrow books that have a limited use to me eg travel books Finally, Rosehill is a very convenient distance from home. Take away Rosehill Library & I have to alk much much further to Gainsborough Library carrying heavy books. Or catch an expensive bus into town. PLEASE DON'T CLOSE RODEHILL LIBRARY. LIBRARIES NEED TO BE LOCAL. Appalling. The entire New Startegic Direction needs to be scrapped. This is the destruction and privatisation of OUR public services. Unfair? As in most local councils they have face the same situation but have resolved the problem by reducing hours and councilors have also taken a 10% pay cut (if not how about a cut across the board to 2009 budgets?) please refer to attachment These proposals, if followed through, will a) reduce and worsen library services for the Suffolk residents and especially for those living in smaller communities b) contribute to a deterioration in educational, cultural and community life for Suffolk residents. With the government throwing money at National Literacy Initiatives left, right and centre, I think it is shocking that closing libraries is even being considered. What happened to joined up thinking?! KEEP IT OPEN!! Library has only been opened as part of Community in Marram Green. It has a vital role to play in our community, for young & old. We have a huge population for a village, & serve many surrounding villages. Everything must be done to keep to library open. Not satisfactory Questions difficult to answer fully, Kessingland library is a very important part of our large community, which also has a high level of deprivation. Please let us keep it! It provided facilities for mothers & children, who due to poverty have little access to books. Also students need books & computers for study. Bus services have been cut, so access to the nearest alternative library can be difficult, which is lowestoft. Too much expected from volunteers. they can play a uuseful role but professional staff are essential. I accept the County Council is having to make cuts but those proposed are too severe. Any library is too valuable a resource for any community to have to lose. Could services be shared with neighbouring authorities? I think you are doing best to look for practical ideas. I am not sure this will always be successful without paid staff. What I think about YOUR PROPOSALS is not relevant. Just keeping our llibrary open is of paramount importance to the people of Kessingland.

It is very disappointing that Saxmundham and other libraries may close in the future. This will particularly hit the elderly in our community who are unable to travel and those on lower incomes who cannot afford to buy a computer or purchase books on a regular basis. ONE-SIDED It reads as though the Council has already decided the issue - PLEASE give the matter more consideration. Unacceptable. Librarys, and access to, are fundamental to an educated, literate society, intent on aspirational achievement. A good attempt in very difficult times - I hope many ideas are generated. Westbourne Library is used by various clubs for the elderly and by a reading group Story hours etc are arranged in the school holidays for children . The use of computers there is importnat for some people in the community. You ignore some matters e.g. selling off your farms & some of your valuable paintings to raise capital. Appaling in current form. Libraries and associated services provide very useful community benefits both are to reading, literacy and social. To cut will be very reprehensible and a step backwards for a civilised society Think community libraries are being penalised to strongly. -> cuts should include main libraries too... DRACONIAN!! The parameters for discussion are narrowly set. To paraphrase, 'come up with an idea or it will close'. As an individual library user it is difficult to know what organisations exist which could be interested in playing a role. Provided some skilled staff are available to help on occasions. I think that the councils proposal for the library service is short sighted and damaging to the whole of suffolk. The consultation document uses bias and false information to mislead the public and is unacceptable. You say that you are reducing the library budget 'to protect more essential front line services like fire services and services for vulnerable peope like elderly care'. This is false as the county council is not protecting them and is having a consultation on 'savings' to he fire service and has already had a consultation on plans to sell off or close care homes. You also say that 'suffolk county council must reduce its funding to libraries by at least 30% over three years' which implies that the council had no choice but to reduce library funding. When in reality it has chosen to do this when savings could have been made elsewhere (executive pay for example). If communities lost their library it could have a bizarre result where travelling by bus to borrow a book would cost more than buying the book itself which is a rediculous outcome. Also the amount of council information that is made available in libraries is important along with other consultations that are happening at the moment and to close libraries would hide many of the councils actions from vast areas of suffolk people. Or is this the intention?. Overall the data about the libraries given seems misleading when it seems to be from 4 years ago or has some weird averaging going on and doesn't accurately show 'suffolks libraries today'. Also some of the data such as giving the number of users being 'hard pressed' or 'wealthy achievers' does not even quote the source that this information came from which opens up questions about its accuracy or why the council is using this. I will also say that Judy Terry was recently quoted by the East Anglian Daily Times (11.04.2011) as saying that 'suffolk county council is not trying to close linbraries. it is entirely wrong to suggest, or even create the perception, that this is happening'. When you read in the consultation she says 'should responses to the consultation prove disappointing, it is imperative that we make the necessary savings, meaning that we may have to close 29 libraries' it is clear that Cllr Judy Terry has creasted that perception all by herself. In my opinion th Council is using this consultation to frighten communities into a situation where they must pay up or lose their library whilst at the same time showing that the Council cannot be bothered to find its own ways to keep libraries open or show any interest or care fir the effects losing them would have. I personally believe an 'old fashioned library' of the past with books & not Twitter, Ipods etc, would

be far better than no library at all. I understand the need to save money and make the library service more ocst effective but urge that all options are considered fully to ensure a continuation in the library services in Clare. Ask bankers for Recompense thus no need for cuts Initally I was shocked and saddened by the proposals and threatening to close libraries is a crime. we all need libraries - young and old and they provide an invaluable service to the local communities I fully support the Aldeburgh Library sterering groups proposal , but only because there is no other alternative to help save our library!. My family and I are members of aldeburgh Library and borrow large amounts of childrens books and DVD's on a regular basis. The children benefit from the wide variety of fiction and non- fiction books and they are able to change them for new ones as they are rotated regularly. without this free lending of books and regular rotation we would not be able to provide our children with such an extensive range of books becuase they are so expensive to buy. Aldeburgh library is a convenient walk away and with the proposed closures of Aldeburgh, Saxmundham and Leiston Libraries our nearest library would be Woodbridge. This is too far for us to travel so we would not be able to visit regularly. Aldeburgh Primary school is due to become a full primary school in the near future and will be educating children up to the age of 11. The school was proposing to utilize the library to help provide a place for the older children to study. If the Library closes this will not be possible Ill-considered. The consultation document prejudges the issue and tries to lead the public to the answer that the county council wants. Brutal and short sighted. greater attnetion must be paid to community needs - libraries are at the very root of a local community and must be preserved to serve that community. public libraries should be run by the public sector. in my experience outsourcing does not always produce a better service - often the cost is higher in the long run. what happens if private company goes out of business? This so called "consultation" seems quite farcicle. an you have already decided to close 29 libraries. once this happens the service is fragmented & a will be a great loss. An uncalled for waste of everybodys time and effort. Essex has no such plans why should Suffolk? Not thought through. The approach appears to be one of cutting costs regardless and without considering service provision to the public. Suffolk County Council only exists to provide services. Disappointing - it is such a vital service. It sounds o.k in theory but it will rely much to heavily on volunteers. Many of whom are already offering their services in other areas too. inevitable? (not much) Rubbish. 3 or 4 librarys in Ipswich! What about the rest of Suffolk?

This is a front line service. It makes a difference to people & families. It is often a life-line. The National Literacy Trust's recent study showed that "Youing people reading above the expected level of their age are twice as likely to be public library users (not school library)". The National Literacy Trust's recent study (Feb 2011) found that "Young people that use their public library are nearly twice as likely to be reading outside of class every day" and "to agree with the statement that reading helps them to find the information that they need or want" and "there was a strong relationship between reading attainment and public library use" and " see above". In addition, the OECD Program (sic) for International Student Assessment found that reading for pleasure had a positive effect on academic achievement.....this included children from poorer homes (who enjoyed reading) performing BETTER in tests than those from more affluent homes who did not read for pleasure. (See below for connection with libraries) * This reading for pleasure is mostly done at home as schools have limited time and other priorities (also limited libraries in some cases).....see Boo Trust discussion on school libraries www.booktrust.org.uk Another study (Spear-Swaling) found that children who read fiction had higher comprehension scores than children who mainly read nonfiction (as takes place in schools). * The Nat. Lit Trust (Feb 2011) found also that "Public library users are twice as likely to say that they talk with their family about what they are reading.....and get significantly more encouragement from their parents in reading". There was no difference in FSM & more affluent families. As an English teacher I can report anecdotally that children who use libraries are more able to see "between the lines" and have a wider understanding of implications and contexts (as shown in discussion and writing). Public libaries are the gateway to attainment and success, fulfilling a role beyond school. Does Suffolk County Council not see that the low cost of running libraries in a PROFESSIONAL manner (county buildings, costs, staff, organisation & planning) is more beneficial than a tenuous, unpredictable "partnership" with an assortment of often amateur ideas and set-ups. Please reconsider your abandonment of what has been a successfully run system which has given pleasure and access to hundreds of thousands of people in Suffolk. A locally run library service seems a good idea if financed by the Co.Council's grant of the exisitng sum minus 30%. Disgraceful the easy option once builings are sold the libraries will be gone for ever Very worrying indeed as a parent and a low earner. Utterly ashamed of my county councillor and the council in general. The library service works right now, please don't break it. We want them to stay as they are not be changed. Why are you fragmenting a service that works perfectly well as it is. Library services do not cost that much to run compared to other departments. Do not agree with them. Don't like them Not very much If yougave the parish some money to run library I would agree to Stradbroke PC running library. Otherwise I don't like your proposals! I don't think it is right to take reading away from people. It is the only pleasure some less people have here. The proposed finances on offer are not sufficient to run it unfortunately. Not a lot Very dissatisfied I am not convinced that the balance of money saved would justify the expenditure to bring about the changes, not that the rural areas would be fairly treated. Towns have many more convenient facilities in all respects, for the same Council taxes. The Chalfont St Giles example on the front sheet could work in Stradbroke with willing volunteers. The proposals are undemocratic as County Councillors were not elected on a manifesto to implement these cuts. There has been no genuine consultation.

Ghastly. For a civilised & forward looking society, I would say a local library is an absolutely essential part of the community. Please do not save money in this shortsighted way. It will inevitably lead to reduced access to books for many people, especially the young & elderly. A community hub is a good idea with the Parish Council running the service. Any private enterprise company will eventually run out of enthusiasm with the cost being the prime interest. We then loose control of the service. I think the new government should respect the valuable resource a library is to young and old people alike. They look reasonable and achievable. Your overal proposals for the library service penalises the elderly the young mums with children living in rural areas with only intermittent transport available & adds to their living costs. We already pay high rates of council tax with few benefits. Barking Parish Council does not approve of the proposal. It is vital that these services be kept as they provide a wide variety of services (and could do much more). The practalities of parish or town councils and/or volunteers taking on these services has not been thought through and is far too rushed. Parish and town councils do not have the budget for it, as this proposal has been introduced with no warning, thereby giving parish and town councils no opportunity to raise funds to cater for it. My proposals are based on the inevitable reduction in the services by the County. In the 1964 Public Libraries Act it states County Councils must provide a "comprehensive and efficient library service". If the above Act is adhered to then my proposals would not be necessary. I believe that you should retain a county wide service and not distinguish between community and county libraries. This will lead to a two tier service where a higher level of better service will be retained in the better off areas and poorer areas will suffer. They seem unfair in that libraries suffer much more than other services. I think your proposal actually all start from the wrong place. It is not how do we provide the best service but how do we cut the budget and that is the wrong place to start looking at the problem. There should be a much stronger link up between Suffolk Leap and the library service and the schools service. I understand that cuts need to be made, however libraries, most importantly my local library in Beccles, should not be cut completely. Beccles library is a popular one, and a place where both young and old people come for a range of services. I think the library should remain as it is and you should look at other ways to reduce expenditure. Huge amounts of public money are wasted within Suffolk County Council at a management level, on unecessary frivolous spending. The library could be developed as previously suggested in the earlier questions to provide more for the community. I think that funding for libraries to be decided depending on the response to yet another Suffolk County Council poorly designed consultation document is totally wrong. The statement 'should responses to the consultation prove disappointing then funding will stop from 2012' is underhand & unclear. Prove disappointing to who & by what measure? Were the designers of the consultation aware of how awkward, off-putting & inaccessible it is to numerous community groups? I think that funding for libraries to be decided depending on the response to yet another Suffolk County Council poorly designed consultation document is totally wrong. The statement 'should responses to the consultation prove disappointing then funding will stop from 2012' is underhand & unclear. Prove disappointing to who & by what measure? Were the designers of the consultation aware of how awkward, off-putting & inaccessible it is to numerous community groups?

As someone who was employed at Rosehill between 2007-2009 and has used Rosehill as a customer since I was old enough to read - back when there was an entrance and an exit door - I have great fondness and affection for the library. Naturally it is with great sadness and disappointment that Rosehill will be under threat within the current review. As a father of three children, I feel it important to emphasise the impact that Rosehill has had on the reading education of my oldest two children. Allowing them exposure to a wide range of books at a friendly, local venue has encouraged them to want to read at a young age - they very much perceive Rosehill as a sweet shop. The care and attention shown to them by Lucy, Joy, Joanne, Lois and Tony over the years gives that added personal touch that County Library simply can't provide. In recent years, they have completed the Reading Game. When I worked there, I recall that completion figures were second (to County) in the whole of Suffolk. Given the size of the library, this was a tremendous achievement. Losing this facility would have a negative impact on a large number of primary school age pupils, at a time when the government wants to improve literacy. Whilst I live in Rushmere ward, I have copied in Cllr Chambers, who at the last Reading Game presentation evening at Rosehill, spoke proudly of her experiences of Rosehill through the years. It was clear that she has seen the benefits of Rosehill. The proposed budget amendment indicates that saving Ipswich's libraries can be achieved. Whilst this is at the cost of locality allowances, I feel this is a worthwhile price to pay. As a final note: on Saturday 12 February, my 5-week old daughter became at least the tenth member of my family to obtain library membership at Rosehill, following on from my parents, my sister and her two children, my wife, our children and I. The doors to Rosehill may have changed since I was a child, but I hope she will too be able to use them. Thanks for your time. Beccles library is an excellent resource for the community and should be retained as it is Appaling and short sighted. The thought of loosing Rosehill, or any of the other libraries in Suffolk is a painful idea. Everything should be done to maintain what is essentially an excellent service. Within this consultation the focus on costs has neglected the less tangible benefits that such resources have in the community. Having always lived in East Ipswich Rosehill has played a part in my life on and off over many years. As a young child I was taken to the library, I don't remember much of this but know I went. And remember taking part in holiday reading challenges. As a older child I would regularly visit with my parents on a Friday evening to collect books for the weekend. Through my teens I did not use the library much, maybe occasionally calling in. However as a mature student I returned to using it. The course I studied was quite specialised, but every term there were some books on my reading list that I could borrow from Suffolk libraries and would regularly order a pile of books from across the county and collect from Rosehill when they were ready. This saved me lots of money not having to buy books, and not having to travel into town to go to the main library. I am now the parent of a toddler and often collect books for my son from the library and enjoy taking him down to Rosehill when we get time to look at books and take a few home. I am not a regular user at the moment, but Rosehill has played an important part in my education over several years when I have needed it. I think that in this era when money is tight the services that the library offers are invaluable to society, providing resources to those who cannot afford them and education and entertainment to those who want it. I have seen people who i know personally in the library looking for work, at a time when they could not afford to have their own computer to do so. However I also know people who do not realise the services that the library has to offer. On serveral occasions I have had to explain to people that books can be requested from other libraries and collected at your local library. Whatever the outcome of the proposals and consultation, libraries such as Rosehill need to stay a part of our society. Yes, much of the material is available on the internet, but not everyone is able to afford to access the internet, and not everyone wants to read things from a Kindle. If other providers take over the running of the libraries, it must be stressed that access to the wealth of resources Suffolk currently has must be maintained and accessible for free. However more could be made of the facilities, Gainsborough is an excellent example of a library with added community use, and perhaps more community activities could take place in libraries. Ultimately Libraries as

communities and the Library service as a community service both have important roles to play in our modern society and both the buildings and the services need each other. My experience has been that Rosehill library, and the other libraries in Suffolk which I have used, have been useful and there when I have needed them. And having observed the users of the libraries I have used it seems that it is often those who may find it hardest to speak up for themselves who get the greatest benefit out of them; such as elderly, children, economic migrants, the unemployed and the homeless. Libraries are places where these groups can access life enriching services, vital information and education for free. This is not tangible in terms of cost per user, or cost per loan and should not be forgotten in this process.

i feel that libraries are an invaluable resource to communities and that to get rid of them or to have them run by untrained staff is a huge waste of knowledge. there are no other resources in a community that can add as much to the learning and wealth of knowledge of a community as a library can. to take it away is to make your community uneducated. I strongly disagree that they should be dealt with in this way the proposals and the lack of information available to interested parties -make it likely that many libraries will close losing a very important local facilities - once gone we will never get them back and we will I believe live to regret that - pubs ,shops bus routes all gone - the library is an important local amenity that should be cherished not dismantled to save what is relativey a small amount of money .Shame on SCC! I am not in agreement with your proposals and think that they are unworkable. I consider them to be deeply flawed, and could have, if carried out, a hugely damaging effect on the wellbeing of the community. I think it is appalling to plan to close so many libraries across Suffolk. The libraries provide an essential resource for all of the community but particularly for children, old people and those on low incomes. As a mother, it worries me that Suffolk has low English SATs scores compared with the national average, and closing libraries will make this worse. In our area (round Rosehill Library) the library is well used, particularly by children from the local primary schools, pre-school children with their parents and old people. Whenever I visit the computers are in use, and I assume that they are being used by people who do not have internet access from their homes. Rosehill Library is the only community centre open to people of all ages in our area - I can think of no other facility in the area that is open to all in this way. There has been much talk about the 'digital divide' between those with internet access and those without, and closing Rosehill Library will deprive many local people of internet access and increase this divide. Closing libraries will hit poorer people harder - not everyone can afford to buy new books all the time, or buy their own computer. Rosehill library is within walking distance of a large part of the town. As a mother of two pre-school children I find the Rosehill Library easy to visit and the staff very helpful - we visit twice a week, most weeks, often at the request of my toddler. If Rosehill closed, our nearest library would be Ipswich library, which

takes an hour to walk to there and back, or a struggle on the bus with a double buggy. I would not be able to take my boys to the library anywhere near as frequently as I do now, and I think that the long walk there would make them a lot less enthusiastic to go. We would miss the Baby Bounce and Tot Rock sessions - my toddler sings to himself a lot and knows the words to most of the songs we sing at Tot Rock, and I am sure the counting songs are the reason he is already good at counting. I would also miss the pre-school singing sessions as a chance to get out of the house and meet other parents, because being at home all day with small children can make me feel isolated at times.

I am extremely worried by Suffolk County Council's proposals to close many of our libraries. They are an ESSENTIAL community resource in every town, especially for the less well-off members of our community, who cannot afford to buy computers and books for themselves. Moreover, with increasing unemployment libraries are needed more than ever. Suffolk County Council will only add to the problem if libraries are closed and staff made redundant. I am very concerned about the future of the libraries under the New Strategic Direction at Suffolk County Council. No wonder the new leader of SCC is having second thoughts about it! I think it is very short sighted to close libraries to save money when education is vitally important to the future of our children.These children will be the workers in the next decade. What was the point of the Book Start initiative if libraries are going to be closed? These are times of economic hardship when parents have to take cuts in their pay, pay more for bus transport and cannot afford to buy books so need the library more. Also the county council has a reserve fund for contingencies - is this not a time of need? I was shocked that the hub of many areas is being lost. Chantry library stops children walking the streets. It provides activities for young, old and disadvantaged.The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. They provide a welcoming smile and expertise which a volunteer would not necessarily have. The library is the obvious place to go to find things out, to enjoy a good book to access materials which you can not afford to buy or your parents don't even think to give you access to. The library is very important to the community. Absolutely appalled that such an invaluable local service is being threatened, especially after all the funds spent over the past few years to improve services and encourage reading from babyhood upwards. There doesn't appear to be an overall proposal. Someone should have investigated the viablity of some of the options in relation to specific libraries before presenting them for public consultation. I will be amazed if this consultation achieves anything....I hope to be amazed. This is a terrible mess. The current system works reasonably well and has dedicated staff. A cut back library service is likely to lead in time to poorer standards of literacy and education and will mean that fewer people are able to access the Internet (the terminals at Rosehill Library seem to be in use whenever I go there). I have 2 children under 3 and rarely make the trip into town to the County library, so the branch at Rosehill is a godsend, enabling me to obtain a variety of books for my 2-year old. He will not have this opportunity if the branch is closed to meet a short-term target. From figures I have seen, the savings from closing individual branches will be small (c. 100K pa for Rosehill) as the main costs are incurred as a result of running a library service, which will still be required. The proposals have been put out without initial consultation as to the savings required (where did the 30% figure come from?). I do not know how to run a library service and pay council tax in order that people who do know how can be allowed to do it. A service run by volunteers will

be a poorer one.

they won't work!! People who have time to volunteer already do so - so who will staff the library? What happens if the volunteer doesn't feel like it one day??? Not everyone can access a library between 10-2 (the most likely hours to find volunteers to run it) - so access for users would be limited & then the customer base will shrink further!! Your Libraries Consultation 1. The libraries consultation document appears to have been drawn up in a hurry. 2. It has been widely criticised as a flawed consultation document. 3. The consultation puts forward divestment as the only option. Most of its questions relate to divestment only. They are leading questions. People are not invited to put forward alternative proposals. 4. Those who do have alternative ideas still have a valid viewpoint, but your consultation excludes them. 5. The document gives people an ultimatum we ll close your library if you don t run it yourself . I understand that this was included in order to provoke a reaction. Well it has succeeded in doing that. Mostly, people seem to have reacted angrily. 6. The consultation process can be paraphrased as: - We're going to kill your mother and we ve chosen to poison her. She will have slow and painful death. We aren t offering you any options to save your mother . 7. The libraries consultation ran between 18 Jan 30 April. This is too short a timeframe for: -all of the issues to be considered (legal, financial, resource etc); for the public to be consulted by town/parish councils or local groups; for volunteers to be found, and for costs to be clarified. 8. It would have been better to wait until SPINE has been finalised and SCC overheads clarified. 9. There is a local election in May, which makes it difficult for local councils to be act in any meaningful way. This was the wrong time for consultation. 10. It is not clear whether a local referendum (or similar), would be needed if an increase in town and parish precepts was proposed. And, if so, who would cover the costs of this and what would be the timescale in relation to your proposed divestment process. 11. We already pay our Council Tax to finance these services. If Councils seek to increase the precept, residents may object strongly to paying twice . (Double taxation). What happens if they say NO ? 12. From your consultation, it is unclear which libraries are threatened. And, more recent information indicates that all 44 libraries are threatened/ divested. 13. SCC are passing the buck to local councils. If they fail to organise a successful expression of interest, and / or libraries are lost in the future, the blame will fall on local councils, or individual county councillors, not SCC. 14. You provide an example of a successful Chalfont St Giles Community Library and Information Centre in Buckinghamshire. This library is struggling to find volunteers. Existing staff are stretched and stressed. The volunteer model is not working. For this reason, this isn t a model which should be introduced to Suffolk. 15. People have not engaged with the libraries consultation in a way which they would have done had there been: - more time, no local elections and a more balanced approach to asking what the public really wanted instead of trying to impose one option on them. 16. I think this lack of engagement will be to the detriment of libraries and communities in the future. 17. I am concerned about how you will analyse the consultation responses. Will your methodology be transparent, fair and stand up to public scrutiny? 18. I am concerned that expressions of interest submitted may not be representative and may lack accountability as there has not been sufficient time for public consultation and engagement. 19. In this compulsory bidding process I understand that procurement rules could mean that voluntary-sector groups could be bidding against well-resourced professional, commercial companies. 20. You say that Following the Cabinet s decision, we will start the process of arranging for other organisations to take over the running of libraries. This suggests to me, that you will force an option

on communities whether they support it or not. Your approach has been compared to an approach which Stalin or Mao may have used. The idea of divesting libraries to the public: The logic of what you propose doesn t stand up to scrutiny. The following do not appear to be workable in the long-term: 1) Divestment to the Grant-Funded Voluntary Sector Even if we found new, willing volunteers to staff the library, how could we manage and sustain this volunteer effort in the long-run after the initial novelty and enthusiasm has worn off? Volunteers take time to train and supervise. Then they leave and you have to find a new volunteer and carry this out all over again. No-one can force people to volunteer. It s something which evolves naturally and voluntarily - it can t be imposed on us from above as a cheap way of running services. The voluntary sector relies on grant-funding and fund-raising efforts. It already struggles to fund new and ongoing initiatives. Many projects attract start-up funding and find it hard to find ongoing revenue funding. This results in projects failing after a few years and this is what is likely to happen to divested libraries. The voluntary sector struggles to find the people willing and able to make repeated grant applications; organise fund-raising events, coordinate volunteers etc... Where would we find money for the buildings and their running costs? With the scale of the public spending cuts across the country there simply won t be enough grant money to go round. 2) Divestment to Social Enterprises You suggest that volunteers and others could form charities and social enterprises such as CICs. These companies could develop business plans for the library and seek bank loans. But how could we make these business plans viable? Where would the income come from? It would not be possible to raise a sustainable income stream in the long-term. Income-generating opportunities are limited. Without a viable business plan, it would be difficult to get a bank loan in the first place. And, would volunteers really want to take responsibility for repaying a bank loan, with interest? Even the Big Society Bank is to charge interest at commercial rates... 3) Divestment to Mainstream Profit-Making Companies I would be wary of any commercial company taking over our public services. Experience elsewhere suggests that they are likely to strip assets, cut service and threaten future viability. 4) Increasing the Precept We don t yet know the full extent of the service cuts in Suffolk. Local council may be forced into the unenviable position of being forced to choose which services to support and which to abandon. The County is in effect passing the buck to the local councils. Residents may object strongly to double taxation. Spending Cuts Cuts are being introduced without proper consultation, justification and pause for thought about what they will mean in the long term for local people. For libraries it is unclear where the figure of 30% cuts has come from and why such a high level of cuts is needed. Libraries represent less than 0.9% of SCC s overall budget, according to the figures in your consultation document. This is a tiny sum and has a social and economic value far and above its cost. In the rush to save money, local services, could be lost forever. Any necessary cuts should be phased-in gradually over a longer time period. Services would be given a chance to absorb smaller cuts and stay afloat. When there is an upturn in the economy, they may once again be able to flourish. There is no need for divestment. Divestment The people of Suffolk have not been consulted about divestment or the New Strategic Direction. Information has come to our attention mainly through the local press. The County has not bothered to write to residents and explain it all. I understand that you want to make SCC into a strategic body, which does not actually deliver services. Andrea Hill says that she wants SCC to be a much more political organisation along the Parliamentary Model. But Parliament has public servants who carry out the delivery of services. Andrea seems to be suggesting that Suffolk residents will be forced to become unpaid public servants. County Councillor Klaschka said at the April Town Council meeting that Suffolk County Council has become an embarrassment to the Conservative Party nationally. Andrea Hill and the New Strategic Direction have been criticised in the national press. Local press correspondent Mr Geater made reference to a view expressed about the New Strategic Direction as follows: It sounds like a Stalinist programme from the late 1940s or Mao s ideas of the 1960s. I cannot believe any Conservative council would have come up with a description like that! And, he suggested that we consign the NSD to the dustbin of history, before it inflicts any more

damage

. I agree.

Not much - I think libraries are a key part of the social fabric of the community and provide important learning, development and social opportunities for all. The price of books also makes it harder for people to buy many for themselves, and not everyone can afford a computer which is becoming almost a necessity to function in today's society. The libraries have always provided a place to go and read or learn and it has never been limited everyone can go there.Removal of these places erodes once agin the heart of our communities when they should be being enhanced and moved ever forwards so that all can continue to learn. Not good I am very unimpressed. If you need more money to run services, be honest with peo;e and see if they are willing to pay more tax for them. It is an old myth that you can have better services and lower taxes - if that is achieved it is usual by stealth taxes on the community. I'm not sure at the present time

YOU DO NOT HAVE ANY PROPOSALS FOR THE LIBRARY SERVICE. THERE ARE NO LIBRARY PROPOSALS INVOLVED IN YOUR CONSULTATION, IT CONSISTS ONLY OF A FISHING EXERCISE FOR GOOD IDEAS WHICH YOU, AND THE LARGER LIBRARY SERVICE IN THE UK AND INTERNATIONALLY, MUST NOT HAVE MANAGED TO THINK OF BEFORE BECAUSE NONE HAVE BEEN PUT FORWARD BY YOU, COMBINED WITH A PROPOSAL TO CUT COSTS AT A RATE WHICH NO BUSINESS WOULD CONSIDER SURVIVABLE, TOGETHER WITH A PURELY POLITICAL POLICY OF PRIVATISATION/DIVESTMENT. I THINK THAT IF YOU RECEIVE NUMBERS OF INDIVIDUAL OR GENERAL EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST IN D.I.Y. LIBRARIES, DRIVEN BY NAIVETY, AMBITION, OR GENUINE CONCERN TO SAVE THE SERVICE, IF YOU TRY TO TRUMPET THAT AS AN INDICATOR OF SUCCESS, THEN YOU WILL DESERVE NOTHING BUT SCORN. SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL COULD SAVE 30% BY DOING THE DIRTY WORK ITSELF AND SACKING THE NECESSARY STAFF AS WELL AS FINDING ECONOMIES, SO THAT LIKE OTHER COUNTIES IT WOULD HAVE THE CONTINUING BASIS OF A PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICE AVAILABLE FOR EXPANSION AS PUBLIC FINANCES ALLOW. INVENTIVE IDEAS OR VOLUNTARY EFFORT CAN AUGMENT PUBLIC SERVICES AT ANY TIME AND ALREADY DO IN MANY AREAS, FOR EXAMPLE YOUTH WORK. OVER TIME, NOBODY OF ANY QUALITY WILL WANT TO WORK IN A D.I.Y. LOW-WAGE SERVICE AND SUFFOLK WILL LOSE OUT AS SOON AS THE COUNTRY HAS MORE INCOME AND OTHER AREAS FORGE AHEAD WHERE NO LONGER HAVE THE BASE FROM WHICH TO DO SO. YOUR POLICY IS POLITICAL IN THAT IT ASSUMES THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A CONSERVATIVE-LED GOVERNMENT WITH THE POLICY OF PASSING PUBLIC SERVICES TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR OR SIMPLY ABOLISHING THEM. THE MOST PROMINENT INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED IN THE CURRENT SITUATION AT SCC, WHICH EVEN CONSERVATIVE COUNTY COUNCILLORS HAVE BEEN HEARD DESCRIBING AS A LAUGHING STOCK, MAY BENEFIT FROM THIS BUT FEW OTHERS WILL. Suffolk Libraries can increase revenue from existing services. More people would be interested in joining Suffolk libraries if they were made aware of the services and collections that the libraries offer. I have noticed that many customers who enter the library to borrow books are not aware that the libraries also offer graphic novels, DVDs, and current magazines and newspapers. Many library members are not aware of the Virtual Reference service and do not know that they can use sites such as the Oxford English Dictionary free at home with a library membership card. Library membership and use would increase if an advertising campaign highlighted these services for the public. The advertising can be done inexpensively through posters in libraries, outside libraries (on the outdoor walls of library buildings), in schools, through the Suffolk libraries Facebook and Twitter sites, and through BBC Radio Suffolk. In particular, It would greatly increase revenue if more people were made aware of the possibility of borrowing DVDs and video games from the library, and if they were made aware that the library will let them borrow the DVDs for a week: a time longer than the 24 hour period that many companies such as Blockbuster offer. Furthermore, more people would be interested in using the libraries to borrow DVDS if they knew that the libraries charge rental fees that are much more inexpensive than Blockbusters . One of the major incentives for people to visit Suffolk libraries is to use the Internet. It would also increase revenue if the libraries did not allow customers with stopped cards to log on the Internet: if customers with stopped cards were told that they could not use the Internet until their fees were below the 15 limit. This would encourage more customers to clear the fees from their cards or pay in instalments. I think library services are extremely important and should be protected. It is important that there is a library available in the village, even though it is a small library, rather than having a large service available a considerable difference away. I very much like the library in Eye. NecessaRY Keep libraries run by people who are trained and paid to do so Unacceptable Disgraceful!

As you say in the consultation document "In recent years, Suffolk County Council has demonstrated its commitment to this important resource by rebuilding and refurbishing 18 libraries. This investment means Suffolk s libraries are located in buildings that are an asset to the local community." So why are you planning to sell off, close or outsource the libraries because of what is hopefully a short term financial problem? The buildings, stock and expertise would be lost for ever. Suffolk library service is one of the best in the country with excellent services and helpful staff. Libraries are buzzing places. Please reconsider your proposals and limit cuts to short term easily reversible savings such as temporarily reducing hours and delaying improvements. A few detailed points: Lending books is obviously important. This means there must be a wide selection of books available and a good catalogue. An important feature of the library service is being able to borrow books from any Suffolk library and use Suffolk Libraries Direct online. If community libraries were all run by different organisations this would disappear leading to a decline in lending services. People with no internet access are at a disadvantage in life. Libraries offer computer access to such people who often do not have the money or do not have the expertise to use internet cafes. Libraries run activities for children and older people. These are people who are less likely to be able to get to larger towns. The activities for older people are particularly important now that Suffolk College no longer runs the daytime leisure classes that it used to. I think Ipswich is quite well served by the main library in Northgate Street. Having lived in rural areas I would prefer the libraries in small towns/villages to be provided for rather than the libraries in Ipswich. Surely these places have access to the Town Centre with public transport etc. I don't think regular users of libraries would mind paying small subscription fees. Maybe give these people same advantages/priority of internet, for instance. Also I think fines might be collected with a bit more clarity. Lovely ideas. However, without a great deal of capital investment (or luck that another privately funded)organisation will contribute, I feel that many of the community libraries will be forced to close. They are a real asset to the local community and will remove a key meeting place from local towns. It would be good to see a more strategic plan for services, such as library services. Maybe there is scope for sharing I am not in favour of divestment unless there is a really effective local plan; and against totally bringing in an outside company who would make money from it. Very good to ask us for ideas, but we are "Under threat" which has spoilt the relationship I am sorry my suggestion lacks development and coherence I am profoundly against cutting Library services or closing libraries. I think this consultation document was difficult to fill in, and that the questions were leading. I think it would be completely unjust to use the number of questionnaires filled in as an indication of support, because many people were put off filling in the form because the questions seemed irrelevant, and they did not realise that they did not need to answer them all. I hope that you have received many positive ideas, but I suspect that if you have this would be despite the manner of the Consultation, and would be more a reflection of the affection in which Suffolk's Libraries are held by the communities they serve. This is not an accessible consultation. There is too much detail in the consultation document and it would have been sensible to produce a summary version. A lot of residents are very busy and timepoor. Overall, we are opposed to the cuts proposed to the libraries but welcome any efficiency savings that protect jobs and services whilst cutting back on waste. I am disgusted that such a low cost valuable and efficient service is threatened in this way

I think it is something that aims to be innovative and ground breaking but unfortunately may struggle to work and will not leave Suffolk people feeling that they actually have been 'consulted'. It is a very emotive subject and I personally know of many staff county wide who have passionately and genuinely contributed very positively toward a dynamic and effective library service for the people of Suffolk over many many years and now feel as if this is being dashed and dismantled. Understandly, they find this whole 90 day extremely frustrating and are in low morale. If libraries are an apolitical environment, which they are - then why should they be subject to the whims of any current government (local or national) that decides that national cuts will affect them. Library funding should be (beyond) ring-fenced. I believe that the service as it stands in whichever county should remain exactly so in order to be a democratic access to information in whatever choice an individual decides to pursue it. I think that Suffolk Libraries management have been rushed into this entire process by SCC and this shows in what has revealed itself to be a live period that has changed according to various factors, decisions and revleations as well as a hastily prepared document that was put together without some of the most vulnerable individuals we serve at mind (ie: many older people do not feel comfortable completing a survey online and yet the consultation was launched intending that every response would be completed on the internet!). In my opinuon, it doesn't either consult children and young people, or BME groups. I do not agree that the consultation itself IS a consultation. Rather, a discussion about whether the service will face necessary cuts and what does the man on the street wish to remain in his library. Most people I have spoken to have indicated that they do not wish to see anything lost. I intended to say so much more than I have in a very appropriate and rational way but am completing this on the final day because everytime I sit down to write something and attempt to really capture the heart of what it is the front line staff do day in day out, I am interrupted and it is simply extremely difficult to do this during the consultation environment. Furthermore, most of my energies and logic have gone into speaking to individuals, businesses, W.I. groups, parish and town councils. I truly hope that our effort has been worth it and will result in people and staff being listened to. Bad Awful. Poorly thought out. These proposals are unworkable, cause real hardship and are unlikely to deliver savings. They will devastate a county-wide service and leave many people without access to libraries. This is a disgraceful set of proposals. Throw them out and think this trough properly with a well-designed consultation, not this sham exercise. Libraries contribute to the physical and mental wellbeing of all generations & various abilities within society. If libraries were to close the protections of vulnerable persons will be compromised. The proetcions of such is a mission statement for the libraries and council as a whole. This document sums up the processes of the council - it is almost right but fails due to over and under complications of processes that should be streamlined but effective in the correct areas. The frame work for an effective library service is already in place. Why dismantle it costing more money? This finance could be used to put in more effective processes to the current service. If the divestment of services fail, the council will be crippled. Libraries cannot be run on a profit. The services that are provided are largely intangable and are invaluable to some of the most vulnerable in society. Common sence decisions need to be made. The shortening of libraries opening and closing could be looked at. Also shutting on Sundays. The libraries were also open on New Years Day. The cost of opening this day compared to the mount of persons using the libraries surely does not add up. In short the libraries hould not be divested. More efficient processes within the council should be created. Also ask the staff which processes they believe could be made more efficient. A lot can be learned by the people who deal with both the front & back offices of the business. AGAIN NOT IDEAL BUT YOU HAVE TO CUT COSTS. I think they are unecessary, misguided and fail to recognize the valuable service they provide to many people. The costs involved are not huge, and could easily be met from the County's reserve funds. It is not at all clear why Suffolk has made much more serious cuts to the library service than Essex or Norfolk. Libraries involve dealing with "the public" which includes those with mental or

physical health problems, those who use reading for pleasure to destress and those who are studying for formal courses or simply teaching themselves a new skill . If the service is destroyed, which is what you are proposing it will be a huge loss to the county. See above. Basically flawed You are abdicating your responsibliities - in a short sentence. Children, in particular, need access to hundreds of books to decide which ones they like and which they dislike. No parent could afford to buy that many books. The overall proposals seem to strike the foundation out of the service. Surely savings could be made by reducing the management structure within Adult and Community Services: There appears to be a series of Area managers and then a central management. The area management could be reformed to be a meeting between library managers who would collectively make decisions where appropriate. If we break down the connected system we will produce barriers that will, even with the best intentions reduce collaboarative working and sharing across the network. Disastrous, destructive and, above all, disingenuous. And based on sheer ignorance and indifference to what libraries are all about. Basically it is a crude, slash and burn approach - which will result a) in many closures, b) sell out to the private sector which will move in to dininish and run a few remaining low standard services at a profit, and c) selling off much loved local buildings to the private sector. Think again please!! While supporting the principal of increased community involvement in library direction, I have concerns about the timescales implicit in the process, the threatening tone of the document, the lack of specific proposals (legally, I imagine that this is not a "consultation"; it seems to be a request for suggestions), and the deeply inconsistent messages coming out of the County Council during the last three months. All this suggests a lack of clarity. Programmes without clear vision rarely succeed so I believe that this strategy needs significant refinement and may already be critically undermined by the confusion attendant upon its initial introduction. I think that they contravene the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 where a Council is by law required to provide an adequate service to all residents or people whose place of work is within the County. It is also required by law that this service is enhanced not dimished and the threatened closure of the designated 'community' libraries in the consultation document from 2012 would be in contravention of this Act. It is the councils way to duck it's responsibilities, ignore what their voters actually want without asking them what services they value. It gives them the ability to close libraries while blaming the community that wants the service for their closure. They are unsatisfactory, too far-reaching and based on the principle of 'Slash and Burn' rather than a truly pragmatic attempt to scale down what is on offer to the point where costs are able to be afforded. We do expect our Officers to be somewhat more imaginative in their thinking and offer alternatives that could be somewhat more appealing; this in addition to an examination of top salaries within the County Council which, if reports are to be believed, are obscene. If Beccles library were to close, I would move out of Beccles. Beccles is beautiful architeturally but very little goes on in the area outside the library. With the large pub and hotel that closed early 2010, the library has ever more so become the place to go to socialise, discuss, ruminate and 'chew the fat' with others. I think the library service is one of the few benefits we are all able to access. If you are not on benefits and eligable for free this that and the other, nor rich, nor getting senior citizens perks, nor it and well enough to get about easily,so much is denied to you (eg theatres/cinemas/shows/travel) please think of the future education of children and adults alike and keep the libraries open. Stop photocopying for a week a year in council offices and get the savings that way.

I think libraries are an extension of a good education system and we should look very carefully at longer term implications of reducing these services or passing them into the private sector. Library services have improved so much over the years and are used by people from all walks of life and all ages. They are part of the local community and should be kept. APPALLED THAT THERE IS ANY REASON TO CHANGE AT ALL AND THAT CLOSURES ARE UP FOR DISCUSSION. I KNOW WHERE MY VOTE WILL GO NEXT! Libraries must continue to be a service available for all. Moving too quickly to a technological library (computer based) is too soon for those who are not "techies". The library is a place where people can visit, and perhaps meet. VERY DRASTIC BUT NECESSARY AFTER LABOURS GROSS OVERSPENDING. They shouldn't be endangered. Rural areas like Suffolk really need this. Try to keep the libraries run by itself. Do not give the libraries to private businesses. Your professional librarians are highly trained to deal with a wide range of situations, and are extraordinary value for money. Libraries run smoothly because they are very good at their jobs. It seems bizarre to imagine that volunteers can replicate this level of service, and I cannot see how the service can manage without them. As mentioned above, I believe that the required savings should be sought in the higher management levels, and perhaps peripheral services such as baby groups. Do the proposals meet the County Council's statutory obligations? Each library is different so local consultation will be necessary 'one size will not fit all'! Cuts are currently driving change but the library service should also look to the long term future The proposed cuts are not fair as they discriminate against people in villages and out lying communities. The proposals will lead to a significant drop in library usage by people from Capel St Mary and other communities due to the costs and difficulty involved in using another library. If your proposals do go a-head then in view of the complete removal of a local service the rates for the villages affected should be reduced. Very short sighted, likely to have the biggest effect on the most vulnerable members of society. Two categories of users who will be severely affected are immediately obvious: young children and the very elderly. Surely the council is aware of government statistics on the importance of access to books and reading for the very young? How can you justify the potential loss of such access? The children who will suffer most would be those already marginalised: whose parents cannot see the value of books and reading; who cannot afford to buy books; or won't take them to Stowmarket library. To some very elderly people the library is a lifeline - where they not only borrow books but can have access to the internet and also, for some, the only social contact they might have. With the cuts in public transport how would people without cars make a journey to Stowmarket anyway? Another question is how does closing some libraries and making people travel further fit in with the Council's remit to make Suffolk the greenest county? SAVE ALL THE LIBRARIES I think they are misguided and a short-term reactionary response. Please keep as many of the existing staff as possible because they know the job

I am very unclear at the end of this 90 days what the overall proposal is apart from cost cutting. I feel that the fact that Suffolk libraries have worked very hard over the last ten years to achieve being such an integral part of all the communities we are in, responded as and when possible to requests to assist in community projects either by offering support and a space to be used or working in the community to take our services to more rural areas has left us way ahead of many other counties development. This has in some ways done us a diservice as things other counties are now proposing and reporting as being revolutionary and dynamic we have already been doing for years. At a time when there is so much uncertainty around people are already beginning to rely on the wide ranging resources availble in libraries to help them to be able to remain independent. This can range from free use of the internet for help with homework, job applications, finding a house through the housing associaions etc etc etc. While many people have internet access at home so many do not and cannot even get it in rural Suffolk. The previous government's obligation to ensuring everyone had access to the internet in libraries was a big step forward in helping to remove financial status imbalances. This will yet again cause another them and us divide if smaller, more rural libraies are closed or hours drastically reduced. It is very presumptive to assume that we all have the means of travelling miles to another library, many of us cannot do this. The drive to stop being a nanny state is important but by removing such unique and success resources that Suffolk libraries are automatically helps to keep people locked into being done to rather than taking control of thier own lives. At this time people can attend basic IT courses,use the internet, or just meeting up with others for a chat, so vital in these times of growing unemployment. They are backward step I realise and support the ideas of making savings as long as this is done on a fair and equal basis. The proposed cuts are not fair as they discriminate against people in villages and out lying communities. The proposals will lead to a significant drop in library usage by people from Capel St Mary and other communities due to the costs and difficulty involved in using another library. If your proposals do go a-head then in view of the complete removal of a local service the rates for the villages affected should be reduced. Savings and cuts should be made to executive pay and perks to save front line services. Money should not be wasted on pointless changes e.g. the new electronic road signs on the A12 and A14. Each change should have a business case and be prioritised to ensure only the best value projects go-a-head. I am concerned that having provided such an excellent and innovative service over the years that there now appears to be a dismantelling of this service. I completely understand that there should be significant savings but feel that this document hasn't been a consultation but forced on the people of Suffolk in a way that is far too rapid in contrast to my previous experience working with SCC. I think you are delegating responsibility by asking local communities to come up with ideas such as local volunteer groups. I think the county council should show leadership and clarity of vision, whilst bearing the population's views in mind. Common sense dictates that most people want a countywide library service to be maintained, even if it is a streamlined one. So please listen! Terrible, a 30% reduction in funding would be catastrophic. The library service is invaluable, it offers an equal opportunity for personal education as well as recreation which is available to all and is not dependent on money, class, age or race. I think that libraries should remain within the control of the County Council. Divesting them appears to be only delaying the closure of the so called community libraries. The consultation period has been too short for serious decisions to be taken and for finances to be found. Disgusting, offensive, ill thoughout, cynical, asset stripping designed by a County Council peopled by philistines, and greedy avarists who know the price of everything and the value of nothing. Utterly, utterly disgusting, shame on you. The County Council will be remembered as the council that destroyed Suffolk's fantastic library service, a service that it should have been proud of- and the councillors will losse their seats whuch is probably the only thing that they actually care about.

I think it is a crying shame that Suffolk county council is contemplating the destruction of something as valuable and unique as the British public library system. I think that even in the current economic climate the council is best placed to provide an efficient and professional, if necessarily reduced, library service to the people of Suffolk. Cutbacks in hours and bookfunds can be reversed when things improve. It will be much harder, if not impossible, to reopen closed libraries and rebuild a county network. I am fully aware that I am not using this consultation document in the way the council would like me to. That is because at no point have I been asked if I want the library service to be divested. This is not a genuine consultation. It is also because I cannot help. I can't give money. I have a young child and limited childcare so I cannot give time. I pay my council tax so that the council can provide services like libraries. I would pay more tax if it would save the library service. I cannot afford to buy the books I borrow from the library it is not a luxury for me. Disgusted as very few other councils are taking such draconian steps with their libraries. Many councils with greater needs are somehow managing to be far less punitive than Suffolk The library service costs a small proportion of the whole county spending. It is a service that anyone and everyone can take advantage of, young and old, rich or poor. Don't risk destroying it. Once a library has gone it will never come back. The County has the responsibility to provide a comprehensive service by law. As a member of library staff with some 38 years service with Suffolk Libraries I feel you will be making a big mistake if these changes go ahead. Very disappointing. Where is the asessment of need on which these proposals are based? That they have been produced to quickly with little thought for the consequences of having what could effectively create a two tier library service. Use of volunteers although appropriate for things like the summer reading game and possibly shelving books, most member of the library service I have met are highly educated individuals with a passion for what they do. How can you expect the same level of service from volunteers who are likely to not turn up should they recieve a better offer. In addition the management involved and the numbers of volunteers required to run a library would be prohibitive. Despicable, actually, This Pontius Pilate approach of allowing businesses or volunteers to take over the service amounts to the worst kind of shirking of responsibility, and betrayal of taxpayers. The tendering out of libraries - the lynchpin of education and culture - to those whose interest is purely financial, or to amateurs, is a backwards step for civilisation. Libraries are the most cost effective expenditure of public funds. Your figures show the funds spent on Suffolk's libraries are not being wastefully spent. I have suggested minor economies on some reference materials and a major overhaul of computer services (but only if a turnkey option is available). Ideas of replacing library workers with volunteers that I have seen elsewhere, are fatuous. Salaries paid to library workers circulate within the economy and multiply through it producing taxes to pay the salaries. There is no overt waste and any economy would therefore be false economy. Fine - but few are prepared to question why public libraries are necessary today. I use a Kindle for much of my reading. E-books are available. We all, including children, rely increasingly on the Internet for our information. Recreational reading would, if public libraries ceased to exist, be provided by bookshops who would both sell books and/or hire them out (if the latter then authors could still receive payment for each hiring). Disastrous. See above I don;t think I know what your overall proposals are except for saving money. You have not been creative and have been pushed into this cosultation exercise because so many of us are up in arms about the likelihood of closure of our libraries or handing them over to an American commercial organisation. I still don't believe you will listen to what we are saying.

I understand that cuts are inevitable. I am concerned at the possible closure of local libraries at a time when unemployment is increasing as the libary internet and copying facilites may become more important to communites as people have to make finacial decision which could mean losing there personal internet access. i am deeply concerned that there has been talk of moving library facilites to local pubs. I dont not feel it would be appropirate for children to associate books with alcohol! I understand that the law odes not currently allow local authorities to charge for lending books. If libraries move into private hands charges may be introduced, better to get the law changes and do it yourselves. Book reading should not become an activity for only people who can afford to buy them. I am unhappy about a large number of libraries being closed. I do understand the need for change and a re-jig of how the service is carried out, however I can't help feeling that there must be a better way forward without reducing the already limited access to help/support/information and social interaction which affect some communities. Very, very poor. Library services are key in an informed, democratic society, providing access to information for all. Library services are vital in helping to build community capacity. It is important that local libraries are accountable to a locally elected body, and have clear governance that protects principles of equality of access, political and religious independence, ensures ethical standards are maintained, and compliance with legal requirements. I think that this proposal is ill thought out and that this consultation is not a proper 'consultation' as it does not consult, merely states that you need to save money and asks how we can do this for you. A true consultation on the library service would have asked how and why we use the library service, and what the effect of library closures would be in our lives. A public library service is a vital ammenity in any community, and divesting it out to volunteer groups, or closing will not offer the same level of service that you currently deliver. With the best will in the world, volunteers do not offer the same reliablility as paid members of staff. The staff that you currently have are excellent in their roles, and should be retained. My local library, Rosehill, is at the heart of the community, offering a huge service from a small building. Not all local residents have the time or the ability to travel in to the town centre to use the County Library and losing Rosehill would create a widely felt gap in the local community. If we lose the library service, we aren't just losing access to reading for pleasure. Suffolk has below UK average literacy rate, and also one of the lowest post-16 education take up in the country. Closing libraries takes away access to a world of information and education, and at a time when the County Council has worked so closely with UCS to build a university in the county, seems very short sighted. Suffolk has a brilliant library service, one that you should be very proud of and striving to keep. Surely cuts can be made in both the library service and elsewhere in the County Council to allow the service to stay open, and run by the County Council? A service with reduced opening hours, or the reintroduction of the charge for reservations would allow you to make savings and generate income without such drastic measure being taken. I hope that you will listen to what the public in Suffolk say in the consultation, and consider carefully before your next move. I'm appalled. Terrible. The library is a valuable resource for it allows people to stimulate their lives, meet other people, access information, a safe space to access. For some who have not had the good fortune of a good education, the library gives them the opportunity to gain further knowledge without pressure. New-comers to the town have joined in the activities run by library staff and have not felt isolated. Others who do not have the skills to operate the internet can find information willingly given by staff. Ideas of reducing staff levels on the shop floor is unrealistic, mostly Woodbridge library works well by having mostly part time employees who all have skills and dedication which contribute to the well running of the library.

As is clear from my earlier comments, I am totally opposed to your plans.It seems to me that the council is abrogating responsiilty for a public service that is a critical part of our society, and should be conserved not broken up. After all it is not broken it works well. The approach of the document is disigenuous. It is argued that this is only necessary to cut because of national financial problems. If so, the council strategy should be to find ways to bridge the relatively short term funding issues, including "involving the community", "finding partners"and being "innovative". However it seems from reading council and press material that the council policy is almost to take advantage of a difficult financial climate to attack the very notion of pulically provided services, not only now but for the long term as well. If the council does not agree in principal to a publically funded and run library service it should say so openly and not pretend that it is all contingent on a financial problem for which library users are not responsible. Wrong. Just plain wrong. Wrong. The council should maintain the Library services as it is for reasons above. Public libraries have always had a philanthropic purpose. As a community we should not lose sight of this. Those who derive the greatest value from them -the young, old, poor, still have the quietest voice. In Suffolk County Council practice and policy I see many examples of very expensive and less justifiable activity -consultancies, elaborate 'training' plush offices, rebranding exercises. I suspect these will still be funded after the libraries and other services have been cut. I think they have been hastily conceived and not thought through by people who have very little to do with the day to day running of the service. I do not want my local library to close but appreciate the financial restraints but feel that libiray goers are being asked to make a too bigger sacrifice so others can waste money The overall categorisation of libraries looks fine, but I do have a concern about the possibilities of operating libraries for significantly less money than now. I suspect that some form of charging will have to be introduced, and this will be to the disadvantage of the less well off. Am not aware of any specific proposals. Cut backs in the range or quality of services seem extraordinarily short-sighted as they are the perfect platform for self-help- the function they efectively already provide and which will presumably become ever more important with cutbacks in other services. Felixstowe library is a very necessary part of the community. Introducing children to books at such a young age with the likes of Baby Bounce is vital. Removing this library would, I believe, reduce overall standards in early education in the local community I am not sure about the costs falling within or below the average Over thirty years ago I borrowed the novel 1984 from my local library. This dystopian view of how government will do anything to stay in power was relevant then, as it is today, and, I m afraid, may be appropriate in thirty years' time. However, I would like the children of our children to be able to borrow it, for free, from their own local library and I don t need your version of Newspeak telling me otherwise. Restrict opening hrs and keep facility open to avoid a knock on effect in the community Suffolk's library cards say that we, the public, should "make libraries part of your routine". Rosehill library has been part of my routine for 46 years and I am devastated at the thought of it being closed. In fact, your tag-line shows that perhaps you underestimate libraries - rather than being yet another chore, visiting the library is a highlight of my life. There is not much to do in this part of Ipswich and I will not be able to simply switch my "routine" to the Town library, or to Gainsborough. You will need to revise your tag-line and bring out a whole new set of library cards, if you go ahead with making it impossible for people to do the very thing you're implying that you're keen for them to do! Thank you for "consulting" me - my response is that you must not close "Rosehill" library. I think they are dreadful - they will deprive communities of the opportunity to access books and other information, particularly those within our communities who are already disadvantaged. They will ultimately cost more money and result in a poorer service. The County Council is expecting local

communities to take on a whole range of its services without adequate funding, how can any reasonable person think this approach will work? Shocking. It is incredible that the council has actually threatened to close libraries unless other bodies come forward to run them. The whole thrust of the consultation is wrong - it should not have been about what can the public do to run them but rather discovering the extent of how important libraries are to Suffolk and ask for ideas about how they can be run more cost effectively but not at the expense of job cuts and outright closures. Instead of this you have managed to outrage many many people across Suffolk. Libraries are part of our heritage, a significant indicator of a civilised society. It is ironic that we have seen the huge expansion of the book start programme, only to now see a potential undermining of much of its good work by the possible decline of our library system. Aren't we supposed to be encouraging our young people to read? The harder you make it for them to visit a library the less likely they are to pick up a book for pleasure or make that extra effort in their studies. I am annoyed that at no point in the consultation is consideration giving to the employees of the library service. It seems that they too are easily dispensable. To many people it may appear that it would be easy to replace them with unpaid volunteers. There is much more to library work than shelving and stamping books. A successful library service is built on dedicated workers who go the extra mile in their job. This is not so easy to obtain when you have volunteers. Training is crucial, on the computer system alone. If a volunteer is only coming in for an hour a week it is going to take a long time to train them to the standard expected meanwhile you can expect to see a decline in service. Library work cannot be confined to an hour here and there enquiries have to be followed up and problems sorted out. Even if the task to be followed up is passed on to another volunteer the chances of miscommunication will be greater and a consistency of approach across the library system will be much more difficult to maintain. In essence, it will cease to be a professional service. I feel it was a great shame that you failed to consult firstly with staff who work in libraries. I think you will have found that they have much to suggest about how we can cut costs without losing jobs and closing libraries - eg. shorter opening hours, selling merchandise that people actually want to buy, charging for some computer facilities, a better system for collecting fines, voluntary subscriptions... Why couldn't these sorts of things have been tried first?. .... Instead of this your proposals have led to low staff morale. Yes, they are worried about job losses but the biggest sadness of all is to witness how the powers that be at the council have no qualms about making such risky proposals and appear to be all too ready to 'wash their hands of us.' Disappointed, betrayed, upset, angry... The overall proposals for the Library service offer very little reasurance of continuation of service and staff retention. Both customers and staff have found the way the consultation has been phrased quite negative. The fear is that the phaseology may not bring forth as great a responce as was hoped and certainly staff have received emails to try and encourage customers to complete the form following initial responces to the documentation. Whilst I am sure it was not the intention to get a negative responce to the consultation this form does give the impression that you need to submit a Business plan for the Library/Service the majority of customer would not wish to or feel able to do this. Whilst saving is the main reason for the consultation any change must meet need and demand. I hope that where ever posible all of Suffolks Libraries can remain open even if this require some diversification of the service. I am horrified by the proposals to divest the Library Service within such a short space of time, and do not think it is in the interest of the people of Suffolk. I am aware that savings need to be made, due to the reduction in the Budget from Central Governement, but feel the residents, voters and employees in Suffolk should be asked in, what areas, and to what extent these should be.

I am deeply saddened by the possible closures, and the timescale suggested. I know money must be saved but would have liked some of the plans to be more flexible to allow for local co-operatives of libraries or a library trust. I know local input could really benefit the branches, but i would like to see funding at some level maintained for all 44 libraries to give the local groups interested viable options to assume governance. Some parish, town or local voluntary groups simply cannot afford to take on these resources alone, and more linked up service ideas such as the one suggested by Keystone development trust in their 'Place makers report' need considering to create more sustainable futures for libraries. Your proposals to shut 29 or 41 Libraries out of 44 are a total disgrace to the people of Suffolk. While some libraries may well benefit from being managed in a different way Suffolk County Council s approach is draconian and may not fulfil the requirements of the 1964 Library Act which states that adults and children should be actively encouraged to make use of the reading material which is made readily available without charge For village people to travel to a central library will incur a cost. The proposals should be firmly rejected and no cuts whatsoever should take place in the budget for library services Not thought out Why propose Kessingland to close. The elderly and the young in poorer houses will suffer. They cannot travel to Lowestoft to use their library. Not thought out Not much I do not agree with the proposals If savings have to be achieved then the overall proposals may be reasonable. It's a good thing as there are so many smaller towns who needs their library, the elderly might not be able to travel long distances to borrow books and it should be brought to them. Appalling! This is absolutely the wrong course. I am increasing losing confidence in the ability of the council to make sound decisions. Money is wasted elsewhere in the Council budget and there are other areas where the savings should be made. The proposals are not well thought out. Bus services have been halved at Kesingland. Elderly cannot travel far. Kessingland library may be small but it serves a large community. Apart from its resident population, numbers are huge during the summer & many visitors use it. It provides books & computers for children & the elderly who do not have access to them, or transport & means to get to the nearest library which is Lowestoft. Kessingland is not affluent & there are many people claiming benefits who cannot afford transport. Books or computers & depend on the facilities the library offers. Please save our library. Not a good idea Not a lot Rubbish Disgusted Not thought out I understand the reason for making savings. Perhaps a further economy (albeit a small one) could be made by not having tea and coffee making facilities in the smaller Libraries, where they may be seldom, if ever, used. In a time when people are criticising the levels of literacy that children attain it is surely counter productive to take away a resource which may be the only access some children have to literature outside of school. We should be encouraging the use of libraries to increase literacy standards.

Overall, the idea of divestment of the library service (as other services under the New Strategic Direction) was taken in principle, seemingly without the benefit of having a fully thought through plan for how the idea would be implemented. Factual information has been somewhat fluid and in same cases inconsistent. Communication coming centrally has been variable, although thankfully local relations and information sharing has been relatively good. The process must be robust and transparent for this to work. Suffolk County Council officers have been clear that these are proposals for consultation, and are subject to further Council consideration/decision. Libraries have probably never been so talked about, and it may be that Suffolk County Council may have underestimated the strength of public feeling. With already stretched resources further stretched by multiple concurrent consultations (not just from the County Council but also other public bodies), the Town Council has struggled to provide a more meaningful response on the library within the County Council timescales which have been challenging. In short the proposals are poor. Giving more community input is a sensible plan as libraries are a key service for the community and we already work closely with many groups and individuals in every location, the ability to do more of this is a common sense way to increase usage of the library. However, whilst the proposals are about keeping libraries open it is very clear that with reduced funding there will be a reduced service in many places whether that be through the worst case scenario of a location closing or through things like reduced opening hours, less professional paid staff or reduced activities. Some locations may manage to buck this trend but it cannot fail to happen in some locations as the cost of libraries will be beyond most community groups including parish and town councils so there cannot be any illusion that the service will be able to become better (though it could well do in some places where there is sufficient money and community capacity. I am especially concerned about Hadleigh as local resident as it is unlikely that there is any organisation in the town who have the finances, capacity and abilities necessary to run the library. It would be one thing if Suffolk Libraries was a poorly performing library service, however, it is not it is a modern service run at quite a cheap cost relative to other library authorities. Suffolk Libraries are already community hubs where we aim to work with the local community, we could do more if time permitted but we are already very responsive to our communities and to suggest otherwise is to do down the hard work of the managers and staff who put in lots of work to ensure that the library is at the heart of the community. A modern library service is a place for information provided for by books, the internet and well trained paid staff who care about their customers and community who can answer the enquiries and needs any customer can throw at them. It is a place to instil a love of not just books but learning into your children, it s a social space for all walks of life, it s a support service for the vulnerable. All this can be found in Suffolk Libraries. The examples of possible ideas mentioned in this document are not ones that would do anything other than reduce the quality of service to the population of Suffolk. For example, the library in a pub in Hudswell might sound a nice idea in principle but if you bother to investigate further you find that Hudswell serves a population of 350 people. The smallest population served by a static library is 1180 based on 2008 population estimates. Library in a pub probably does not work for any of the locations where there are currently static libraries, this idea is something that likely only helps in a place that currently only has a mobile stop yet that is clearly not why it is mentioned in the consultation document as mobiles are barely mentioned as being part of this consultation. The example of co-location is one that Suffolk Libraries has been doing for a number of years, this is why Chantry Library is co-located with a childrens centre, Bury has a childrens centre and LEAP Centre, Stoke&Cornard are in schools. Whilst this might help in some locations it is hardly a new idea and will not work in many places. I cannot for example see where this would be a possibility in Hadleigh where I live. There seems to be an assumption that a mobile stop could replace a static library also yet this is surely a false economy based on the consultation figures as mobiles are incredibly expensive per issue or visit compared to a static library. In addition replacing a library with a mobile stop completely reduces the ability of the library to make a difference in a community because mobile stops are fortnightly one day a week for at best 1 hour compared to even the smallest static

library that is open for 20+ hours a week including the weekend so that children can visit. If you only have a mobile stop that stops during school hours, how does a child get to access a library? In fact to give a modern library service it would be far more sensible to get to some joined up working between the various levels of government as libraries are not just about books but information that means they are ideally placed to be able to be co-located for or even provide other information services such as careers guidance, council services or tourist information as just a few ideas. Libraries are in more places than most of these things so are ideally located to provide other services locally. This may even provide sufficient savings in the long term across all the services mentioned. I recently read an article where Judy Terry was quoted as saying "Ms Terry said she had visited several of the "community" libraries and some of the ideas coming out included having a pub take over internet access while the local school takes over books." Whilst this might seem a pragmatic way to deal with a tough financial situation, its far from ideal as it fragments the service. In the current day and age a modern library service is about access to information. By fragmenting the service and having one information resource in one place and another resource in another place it means that customer service will diminish. Currently for example, a member of staff dealing with an enquiry may actually find the information in both places, some information in a book which the customer may take and the member of staff may also show them a website and set them up on an internet computer to do this, most notably this is a how the Health Information service we offer has a tendency to work, it is the combined book + internet resource answer to an enquiry that gives a customer an answer. By splitting the service into different locations you are making it harder to access easily information in one place. Not only does this reduce staff s ability to help customers but it also likely has the effect of reducing usage as people will be more likely to only access one resource or the other as going from one to the other involves increased time for the customer. Finally I would like to note that the proposals do not give the public the opportunity of a choice. The consultation consults on a single option and is thus not giving a choice of what the public might feel is best, it is merely asking for ideas on how to put into action an option that has been chosen for the public. Whilst the consultation is clearly about finding interested groups the first stage should have been a public consultation on different options, then followed by this sort of consultation on implementing the chosen option. I think they are poorly conceived and show a very limited understanding or rural suffolk. The consequences have not been considered. Not impressed. The focus should be on how to run the service more efficiently, not on persuading someone else to run the service for you. I don t like the impression that the decision has already been taken, regardless of people s opinion. Imposing a business pattern on a network that is not financially designed is straight out of the Chicago School.By limiting exposure to books there will be a loss of 'considered' reading. Internet info and the use of Kindle seem cheaper at the start, but gizmos cost more in the long run. Your proposals - what do you really have as a vision for the future? What are your grandchildren going to read if there are fewer libraries and fewer bookshops (as they combine to promote real books)? You have been told to save money by the government and you are obeying by taking out the softest options. You are destroying without any 'Plan B'. Again, where is your vision? Satisfactory In the circumstances satisfactory and sensible. Taken out of context of the county's whole spending, it is impossible to judge the adequacys for the proposals. (May we hope councillors will also take at least a 30% cut in remuneration). Do not close the 'library'. An important meeting place for the community. Bad. I think the County Council should keep libraries. They need to run them to keep for the future, children need them otherwise they won't have the resources to get books, some people rely on the library for internet also. (Some Children). Cut the salary of Chief Executive to pay

Hurried with little thought other than trying to offload the library service onto local communities with little or no "hard financial data". I do not personally think divestment is a good proposal for the library service. I feel lucky to live in a county such as Suffolk where we have such a fantastic library service currently whilst I appreciate the current economic climate and that savings have to be made I do not feel that these proposals are the right way to go about it. I fear that if divestment is seen through we will have pockets of a library service dependant on whether the community is active enough to help maintain it. It s not whether a community values their service or not here, it s whether they have the capacity/skills/knowledge to take it on. I know many people who value the service and would be lost without it. However because they are not able to contribute to the service in any way (for a variety of reasons age, disability, skills, needing to work full time), they therefore fear that their service will be lost. I think the county council expects too much of communities - they do not have the time and/or expertise to run a library service without the support and skills of an organsation such as the council. I urge the county council to rethink their plans on divestment of the library service and look at alternatives such as a Suffolk wide charitable trust or community interest company or equivalent, which will see the continual delivery of a Suffolk wide service that really and truly is accessible to everyone. The overall proposals are short-sighted and patronising to the high quality staff who work at libraries in Suffolk. The idea that professionals can be replaced by amateurs would not be considered in business so why consider it possible in a library that you are running like a business - I would suggest the council members spend a day working in a library - the days of stamping books is long gone; it is about engaging people, helping people, guiding people (and not just about books, but how to access information via the internet that they require - it is part social worker, part teacher and part friend to a number of people). It is short-sighted to look at libraries in isolation of overall expenditure on education - libraries enable children to become interested in reading for free - if you reduce this option then you will have to spend elsewhere to compensate in other areas of education i.e. spend more on books at schools/teachers to teach children who otherwise would have had access to learn themselves. Books are so expensive it creates a two tier society - the poor who cannot afford to read and the rich who can - it is impossible to buy a child's book for less than 5 - people cannot afford to buy them regularly, societly loses out in the long-run by producing an uneducated population who do not grow up with a love of books and learning. I am disappointed it has come to this. I believe any large reserves you have should be used to support all existing front-line services not just libraries. Once the libraries have gone they will never be replaced and it is the poor, young and elderly who will suffer most. They certainly help to generate interest and enthusiasm for local libraries. Southwold's library is in a good position, is vibrant, well used and efficiently run by dedicated staff. It serves the community well and needs to be maintained. Community libraries are important because they support those who are unable to travel further afield. Our villages are already dying through losing post offices, shops, pubs, bus services. Soon you will need to be rich and mobile to live in many Suffolk villages. Perhaps this is what a Tory council would like. The idea of closing down a library the size of that in Sudbury is immoral. Do you think that everyone can afford to buy all the books they want to read? I'm from a working class background, brought up on a council estate and the only way my parents could keep up with my appettite for reading was to take me to the library. There are still plenty of children in similar positions. Having local communities running their local libraries all sounds like a good idea, but whether in practice it will work and still provide the same standards of service, i'm not so sure. The thought of lots of community libraries all doing their own thing with no continuity between them, will probably only work well in a few places. Not all volunteers are commited to their work and standards are bound to drop. My village library opens two hours a week with a volunteer in charge. Books are issued on the old 'Browne' issue system. Is this going to be the way forward for our community

libraries, after all, a computer system is only as good as its operators.

The County Council must decide the extent to which library services are divested for economic reasons, but I am opposed to public lending libraries being operated by for profit organisations. Local Councils would be acceptable to me. FAIR While I believe that local people should have greater opportunity to participate in the shaping of local services, I do not agree that literal community ownership of services is a constructive or workable proposal. I fear that direct local control of services would result in those services being hampered by community prejudice, axe grinding agendas and petty local/community politics. This is particularly true when these proposals are tied into the need to make savings. If this was to work at all (and I am dubious that it could work at all) it would need to be in the context of a high level of investment, in terms of both finance and professional support. To attempt this at a time of funding reduction is absolutely ridiculous. SCC wishes to operate in a more efficient and businesslike manner a private business would never attempt such a fundamental and risky change without appropriate resources being invested into it - initially at greater not lesser cost. It is deeply offensive to communities and professionals that they are being faced with this ultimatum of take on our library or it will close . This is not empowering communities it is dumping a problem onto them and appears an attempt to shift the blame for any closures from SCC to communities. Just because an individual or community does not want to run a service, it doesn t mean they do not value it. In fact, the opposite is true most people I have spoken to value the service enough to want their taxes to pay for expert professionals to expertly and professionally manage and deliver the service. If big society means communities having a bigger voice in service delivery, please listen to them when they say they want local government services delivered by local government providers. To summarise, I wholly disagree with the proposals in the consultation document. I disagree with the proposal for community governance of libraries and I disagree with the proposal that should this not work, libraries should close. The total savings that could be made from these proposals is minute the whole scale of things and I am absolutely sure that the amount needed saving form within the library service - which already appears to be very efficient - could be found from elsewhere within the council. Or certainly the remaining amount following the central reductions that I believe are already taking place within the library service. We believe that change is needed driven by the changing financial position of the county council. We must however have change that leads to an improvement in services where possible. Sad to see services reduced, They stink. How much has this whole process cost? Enough to fund the library for another year probably! The cart is before the horse. The council should not designate a percentage reduction figure until after this consultation review. It seems that they have made their conclusions and this is just another empty consultation so that councillors can use the argument regarding 'wide' consultation when seeking re-election. See my article please. *************************** I think your ideas are disgraceful. How much did it cost to put this questionnaire together - could have saved yourself some money there perhaps"! Libraries are the added value of any living local community. So keep them!

While SCC has had obligations placed on it, I doubt if it is necessary to take upwards of 30% revenue from libraries. I am also worried about the divestment of services. I would prefer my taxes to be spent by SCC rather than profits going to business. I should like SCC to remain fully responsible for Suffolk Libraries, including Aldeburgh. No-one can 'win' with Health or Education or Transport but the Suffolk Library service has won already. If it ain't broke don't fix it. I have lived in and near Aldeburgh for over 40 yrs and have always been fully satisfied with the Library Service - and especially since the advent of computers allowed so much flexibility. Our County Librarians made imaginative and comprehensive use of the potential computers offered. Free reservations also made a tremendous difference to me. We should not fragment or water down the service in the struggle to save money. I disprove of proposals. Libraries serve al the community and provide services which many cannot afford. They are an important contribution to the literacy and education of people living in Suffolk. The cost of training volunteers will actually be wated money. What happens if they drop out. Badly thought through policy. These proposals, if followed through, will a) reduce and worsen library services for the Suffolk residents and especially for those living in smaller communities. b) contribute to a deterioration in educational, cultural and community life for Suffolk residents. Because of your duty to make sure we can accss libararies, any spending cut you need to make should not be this great. My view is that: 1) The funding is being reduced by too great an amount and furthermore: 2) The library service should maintain its present funding. ok if you live in a town, but once again rural communities have be hit. Eg Buses, post offices civic amunity sites. LIBRARIES ARE A SOURCE OF INFORMATIN + EDUCATION. BY WITHDRAWING THESE SERVICES YOU ARE RISKING SUFFOK'S POPULATION AND WE ARE IN DANGER OF BECOMING AN ILL EDUCATED + ILLITERATE COUNTY. PERHAPS WE SHOULD ALL MOVE TO ESSEX OR NORFOLK WHERE THE COUNTY COUNCIL DOES NOT THREATEN LIBRARY SERVICES. I think they are irresponsible, short term, philistine, and target the vulnerable. Inadequate. Unfit for purpose. I think stink of betryal. The proposal is inadequate. Public libraries should be self sufficient as they were years ago. Rubbish I am not clear what SCC's proposals are - other than close those libraries categorised as community libraries. SCC seems to be asking for proposals from the community but that is not SCC offering a proposal. It would be useful to have been given some proposals by SCC as to how to retain the libraries at a reduced cost. There are some ideas suggested in the consultation document but no formal proposals from SCC (other than closure). I am extremely disappointed in the approach taken by SCC and the content of the consultation document. Very difficult to remain positive from the the way the proposals are presented. Needs more concentration on practicable solutions and less on preordained political dogma. What appears to be a hasty ill thought out decision which alienates many people who quietly get on with life and do not make much use of many other council provided services. A lack of understanding of the wider benefit of libraries on the mental health of users. it stinks. Libraries are part of our children's futures. Essex is managing to retain most of its libraries, why can't Suffolk. "the price of everything and the value of nothing " seems to be Suffolk's attitude to libraries. No doubt you think everything can be Googled.

Cowardly. Retrograde. Parsimonious. As a County Council you should be proud to resist the demise of such a fine service. We look into the future and see the dog eat dog world that is looming towards us in Suffolk County Council's remit for schools. The library service will be similarly fractured and disjointed. You don't need to be some kind of socialist to see that the direction of this county council is all wrong. There appears to be a complete lack of care. Councillors talk about community but simply go along with the retrograde steps directed by the government. Officers of the council vie with one another to find clever ways and forms of words to justify the disastrous policies. Pathetic! You should all be ashamed of yourselves. Not satisfactory. If something isnt broken, no need to mend it.............See 6 above. disappointing and unfair. In a rural community like Eye, these ideas may sound 'creative' but are very unrealistic - we have so few resources already for families and young people and are losing all of them - so the suggestions seem far removed from what any of us can see happening. And I am very much against librarians being replaced by volunteers - they have helped both my children to learn to read, they provide a fantastic service which cannot be replaced by unpaid volunteers. Quick solution? If you close the community library's you will be depriving a lot of people access to books. Whilst I understand that budgets have been cut and savings need to be made I believe more careful consideration needs to be given as to the best way forward. Your own figures state that the County Libraries are the most cost effective to run and the most used yet are to remain as they are. Does consideration not need to be given to shaking up these services as well rather than targeting all the financial savings towards the Community Libraries ? Is it not more likely that businesses will be keener to take over the running of the County Libraries and should not more consideration be given as to how their premises and services can be diversified and more income generated? Shameful idont think its right closing any library's. it sucks Does not fully take into account that libraries co-located with schools will still have a need for their own onsite library and hence could share the costs with the school (if not already). E.G. Cornard library that is co-located with Great Cornard Upper School. I think that it is short-sighted to try and make reductions in cost of the magnitude you propose. In the medium to long term these proposals may have a very detrimental effect on our young people and on socisety as a whole. If you consider what we want to be left with after all the cuts hahve been made, surely libraries would fall into that category. We are a VERY long way off from the majority of people having e-readers and using them regularly. People still want to read real books, see them when choosing, and browse through them. Given the financial constraints, I can understand why the council is exploring different ideas. However, this consultation does not feel meaningful, as it appears the decision to close our library has already been made, unless the public can somehow take on running the library. I would be concerned that there are adequate safeguards in place if other organisations take on running libraries as the staff have access to vulnerable members of society, including children. I think it is unlikely that any groups are ready to take on running the library, and if this is what the council wants then they should work to establish these groups and support them first. Ages 0-100 we all need libraries. The only cuts you could make are the hours you open do you need to be open on sundays,when are the Libraries used the most. I understand the whole issue of the national library service is going through Parliament at the moment so perhaps SCC should wait until the concluding report has been published before closing libraries or passing them onto community groups? I disagree completely with the closure of any libraries. They are the heart of the community. If there are savings to be made please make sure they come from other places.

Poor The suggestion made that members of the public could volunteer to help would surely put the jobs of trained librarians at risk - reduncancy payment necessary. Not exactly saving money. I understand that the computerised system utilised is very complex, not to be used by an amateur - time and money could be wasted if the layman were to be in charge. Beccles Library plays an important part in my life and has done so for over 30 years. I believe it is vital for the welbeing and life of our town, so I would be horrified and angry if it was closed. Only a few years ago our Town Council found the money to extend the openning hours, so I know that other people also greatly value this service. Do not agree they should be changed - if anything libraries should be invested in - not "swept under the carpet" and left for someone else to worry about. The local and national governments abnegation of responsibility for public services is to be deplored. It is difficult to understand why SCC volunteered to divest itself of library services when other East Anglian County Councils appear to have avoided doing so. What is clear is that this policy was adopted by SCC long before public consultation took place. To offer communities a choice, - take over your library or lose it is no choice at all. While the need for financial cuts is not disputed, this policy removes at a stroke precious infrastructure of crucial public services, including libraries. This is an ideological, not a financial decision and it is objectionable. As in many other areas, Aldeburgh s library is an essential part of its community, treasured by young and old; there is huge local support for its preservation, demonstrated at public meetings, in petitions and in comments by many members of the public in and outside the library. But the fear remains that Aldeburgh, like many other communities, will be very unlikely to be able to fund a local library service in the long term; there will be huge competition for funding and people s ability to donate and fund-raise is finite, particularly in these tough economic times. The same applies to the recommendation of reliance on volunteers. Many residents of Aldeburgh are already active volunteers and give vast amounts of their time to many worthy local causes which would dwindle without such help. It is unrealistic to expect them in addition to staff and administer a library for the hours this community needs, even assuming they could first commit themselves to undergoing the professional training that would be required to match the current service. Ultimately, requirement by SCC and national government policy that communities take on the bulk of responsibility for financial and administrative management of libraries and other public services appears as no more than additional public taxation. I understand the pressures you are under. I would hope that, rather than simply administering the cuts, you will also pass back to those imposing them the intense dissatisfaction of many of us in the local communities at the cuts in service that are contemplated. No-one would have advanced them had it not been for the larger economic recent crises : it is not honest to suggest they will enhance community life. Reducing the availablility (access and range) of library books to children in Suffolk will have a detrimental impact on their reading and writing skills. I believe that county should pay an equal proportion of every libraries cost (no matter what its size or location), preferably 100%, but if not the full amount a significant proportion with a contribution from the local council to balance. Retrograde & appalling; quite unnecessary, as in q4, above. Council Tax payers will not be paying a penny less tax, but a valued service looks to be under threat from a blinkered County Council. Suffolk County Council should continue to provide a comprehensive library service taking advantage of the economy of scale available to a county wide service

I see a real problem if Needham Market is closed since there is no library nearer than Ipswich going south. Since Suffolk CC has a large reserve, use some of it. If moving Needham Market library to another building. attaching it etc, parking needs to be considered. It is generally easy to park at times I visit which is not the case for Stowmarket where parking is extremely restrictive and deters would be users. I would be ashamed of living in Suffolk if our libraries were to be closed. In this day and age, access to books, for a variety of reasons, is a fundamental right. Although access to information via the internet is helpful, it is not the same as gleaning information from a book, whether for educational purposes or for leisure pursuits The proposals open up a wide choice of participants to run libraries. However, with so many different individuals it should br regulated, so as to keep things running smoothly. It is difficult to see how a 'community interest company' could 'manage' 'a group of services' and 'deliver' better services and savings Presumably the County would have to fund such a company and provide (or assist) the company with expertise. devastating consequences for the disadvantaged individuals/groups with insufficent funds to buy books, and those less able people that we need to support with a leaning facility in a safe, friendly place. I BELIEVE THESE PEOPLE WILL BE MORE ISOLATED, AND VUNERABLE WITHOUT THE SUPPORT THAT A LIBRARY PROVIDES.How will less able people be able to survive without ict skills in future, let alone the socialisation benefits in the community.u APPALLED THAT THERE IS ANY REASON TO CHANGE AT ALL AND THAT CLOSURES ARE UP FOR DISCUSSION. I KNOW WHERE MY VOTES WILL GO NEXT! Libraries must continue to be a service available for all. Moving too quickly to a technological library (computer based) is too soon for those who are not "techies". The library is a place where people can visit, and perhaps meet. VERY DRASTIC BUT NECESSARY AFTER LABOURS GROSS OVERSPENDING. They shouldn't be endangered. Rural areas like Suffolk really need this. The Parish Council is aginst the closure of any libraries. If Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire County Council are able to keep their libraries open then so can Suffolk, these proposals need rethinking. Rubbish, unsuitable for this area. You have forgotten about those without their own transport, the elderly, children both school age and younger. I am a regular library user, but would not be able to travel 18 miles, not could I afford to buy the books I read. Closing them would be a travesty Community Libraries do as stated - "serve the local community" and are therefore important to maintain. Not everyone would be able to visit a County Library. Our libraries are too important to lose. Children who are given the opportunity to browse books gain immeasurably from the experience and grow into adults who also love books. Not many families can afford to buy every book/CD/DVD/magazine that they would like, and using the library allows for wider experience. I firmly believe that the Library service should remain under the control of Suffolk County Council and I hope you will look again at your proposal to divest the library service. I am very concerned that Rose hill Library maybe be threatened with closure if this goes ahead. I do not think it is sustainable in the long run for other agencies/volunteers to run this service. Many people use the small local libraries and this is a public service which requires Council support. I suggest the Council looks again at it's budget and cuts money in more wasteful areas - the amount it costs to run Rose hill Library is just a 'drop in the ocean' so please reconsider.

I don't think you have given any proposals for a new service other than to state you wish other organisations to run them. The information in your document is very superficial and is basically asking for alternative ideas so I think it is inappropriate to ask for views on your proposals given you have not stated any of significance other than the need to save money - which infers closure of services. If the intention is to pass the running of these services then I have grave concerns for the long term future of the libraries as I don't see how your strategy is viable in the longer term nor how it provides equity of service throughout the County. I feel the library service should continue to be managed centrally with paid employees, but a review of current practice to include all aspects eg opening hours etc. This may also include a review of location. I feel the management structure should be reviewed - both locally and more specifically centrally, as I feel it may be appropriate for more power be delegated to local level to give local library managers the opportunity to form a "cluster" with their neighbouring libraries to enable a high level of services to be provided in a cost effective manner. Far too drastic FINE IN PRINCIPLE Needs a re think I think the easy options have been chosen whilst the perks etc enjoyed by staff & councillors appear to remain sacrosanct. Vague. Worried about too much reliance on volunteers I think it would be a big mistake to get rid of any library service; apart from the core service of book loan, it provides a 'life-line' for so many people from all walks of life of our community; social interation/inclusion, a listening ear, support groups, a place to come and relax, seek information. With youth clubs closing down, the increase of isolation that a lot of people find themselves in with fragmented families, lack of support and network groups will only lead to more mental health related issues, illnesses etc so long term a hugely, worrying, costly exercise. I am very unhappy at the thought that the library service could be cut back so drastically. I have been a regular library user for over 50 years, the last 30 years in Suffolk. At present I only have to travel 5miles to my local library (Framlingham) - I combine this with shopping trips, appointments etc. If ways are not found to keep the community libraries open, I will have to travel about 12 miles to the nearest library (Woodbridge). As well as being over twice as far, and so doubling my transport costs, this is much less convenient, as I am much less likely to visit Woodbridge for other reasons. For some people it will make visiting the library impossible - we have already lost our bus service! My local library is also a place to meet and gather information about local events etc. I have neither the time nor the expertise to run a library - I would rather this was left to trained and paid librarians! However, if the only way to keep the library open is with volunteers, I would be willing to help on an occasional basis. But I see this as a last resort! I think the idea that volunteers can just run libraries is not properly thought through. It seems to me that access to enhanced education through reading at libraries should be fundamental to council provision and not a target for cuts. Hopefully Mark Bee can see his way to restore the excellent county library service. Disgraceful that you should shirk your responsibilty for the full provision of a professional library service in Southwold. This is not what we elect local politicians for. Consider reducing hours or increasing charges, not threaten closure Poor, not thought through, based on dogma, will result in a fall in literacy and impact severely on the young and the vulnerable elderly. SCC is not behaving as responsibly as Essex and Norfolk in its approach to its County Library Service. Too negative, think positively and creatively Would be very unhappy to see commercial companies brought in, since their very interest indicates that there are savings to be made within the present structure. Voluntary groups are already under

pressure in many fields and by nature are prone to uneven levels of involvment and interest over time. I think libraries need to stay open, be staffed by trained and paid professionals and continue to serve the community- which I do not see your proposals continuing. it is a community need and right to have these services and they sould not be closed at all. There are lots of other ways of saving a lot of money without that I think that in trying to make a relatively small saving there is a danger of losing valuable community resources. If the financial situation takes a turn for the better would these libraries be re-instated? To close purpose-built libraries would be a retrograde step. When the economic situation improves it is to be hoped public services will be restored and libraries provide a vital role in the community. Please see our Proposal. We welcome the opportunity to propose a locally-designed, locally-driven and locally managed service for our community. In so far as my local libraries are concerned not much. I think they are amoral. Shameful. i think the county council has a responsibility to run library services, not just in towns but as in rural communities too- I think it's appalling that it's being left to local people to run the services or lose them- what is the council for? Libraries are lifelines for people, severing them will have far reaching consequences for communities, especially older people, children, and people who can't afford to buy books and own computers- for the little they cost the savings will be a drop in the ocean. This council is leaving a terrible legacy for future generations. Suffolk used to be a great place to live and had a fantastic library service which we were very proud of. Is this worth anything to SCC? I think that whatever the final decision may be the community is still entitled to the basic library service outlined above. See above, but also : The proof that this is a dogma-led attack on public services is that they are proposed to be permanent. The Government says that there is a national financial crisis and a major part of the solution is to greatly reduce public spending. Leaving aside their Big Lie, namely to place the blame on the last government - when it was really due to a worldwide banking collapse, due to corporate greed and its attendant, scurrilous risk-taking - the Coalition's theory is that the massive cuts will restore us to a prosperous and balanced economy. This must occur within the lifetime of this government, or it will be seen to have failed, in spite of inflicting very painful medicine on much of the population. For argument's sake, assume this restoration works. Why then not restore ALL the library branches? At worst they could have been mothballed in the interim, or run on a TEMPORARY pay-as-you-use basis. The latter is far the superior, as it maintains the vital resource of qualified and experienced library staff through the 'crisis' period and beyond, when a sound economy is restored. But what is the point of a sound economy if we have become culturally bankrupt in the meantime? But, despite this, the main party in the Coalition sees having free libraries in every town as some sort of a drain on public pending, which must be stemmed. So their proposals, as dutifully carried out by their local wing (Suffolk County Council) are not just to get us through a temporary financial problem, but are blatantly meant as a permanent solution. And yes, I do understand their idea that community-based libraries will fill the gap, but this would be very arbitrary, patchy, non-existant in some locations and with no properly, centrally resourced and coordinated bedrock of the service in the county. Such a service has evolved to achieve an award winning quality over many decades, transcending both highs and lows of the economic cycle because it is bigger and much more important than those. We can survive those, but not cultural withering. Finally, a note on 'sustainability'. What has happened to this grand concept? SCC has championed it in all of its policies up to now - policies for planning, transport etc. etc. Yet now we see its policies for libraries, household waste sites and schools, to take just three, obliging dispersed rural residents to drive cars further and further to access these services. This is a reversal of previous policies for sustainable patterns of development and travel. SCC's planners used to carry out sustainability audits, and asked district councils to help them in this . Maybe they still do, but it must

seem a thankless task now. How can the private sector be urged to think sustainably when the example being set by the County Council is proposed now to be so poor?

As a teacher I do find it difficult to comprehend that on one hand the Government are pushing (and penalising) schools for not making improvements in children's education, including reading. But then on the other hand are happy to remove many libraries and library services. This to me does not seem to be a well-thought out plan. How can families with a low income access good, appropriate literature if it is not offered to them through a free-library service? I know the counter argument that many of these families do not access these services at any rate. But surely it is better to have them in the hope that they will, rather than for them not to have the opportunity even if they want it? My concerns about secularising the library service (such as with my idea with Costa Coffee) is that there will no longer be a free-library service. However, through an effective legal contractual agreement it could be assured that even if Costa Coffee did arrive at our local library, it was still a free-library service. i feel that the council should reconsider its spending and where it could better save money as libraries are too important to lose. they are a local source of knowledge and learning. i have been going to the library my whole life,with my parents and i love reading. my vocabulary and attention span has been greatly increased by reading and being read to. also through the singing groups which meet there. they are wonderful for increasing the vocabulary of children as well as teaching parents to interact with their children. Not impressed, its all about money, not human needs. Seriously flawed and short sighted. Once the libraries are gone they will never return. I look to the County Council to protect services not destroy them. What message is the County Council giving to its young emerging readers when it is saying 'we're closing your libraries, books don't matter.' In autumn 2010 the magazine Cypress said, ' Giving children a love of books early on helps to develop reading & literacy skills that are vital to their future success.' Why are you now jeopardising that vital chance for success? A rethink is needed. As above. Wheres the innovation? We spend 9,000,000 a year on the Library service. 30% is a huge cut - but SCC have chosen that amount. The 'innovation' is simply - if you dont run it you'll lose it. Wheres the support, the offer of genuine assistance - the absence is telling - the decision has been made. Lets be honest here and tell the truth. Divestment was meant to be negotiated - read your own document - this isnt negotiation - its dictatorship. Other Counties are dealing with it in a much more caring and thoughful way. Surely someone at Ipswich could have sat down and come up with a plan that punishes EVERYONE not just those who happen to live in a rural community. Surely you can get a team together to produce a model for the future that can deliver services more cost

effectively. It can't be rocket science but needs motivation and commitment. Does SCC have these qualities?

It stinks. Why are you seeking to spend 30% less and close libraries when other authorities are not closing any? This is a Tory agenda for laying waste to community services. I think a 30%+ reduction in funding is unachievable without jeopardising the majority of that which is valuable about the servce It should not be changed ditto Just keep libraries going I think it is an abomination in this day and age to be contemplating shutting down libraries. As long as it does not mean we loose lots of libraries the proposals are ok. It is very worrying that you wish to de-professionalise the service in some respects. The library staff need their jobs and members of the community are busy, need to be paid for their jobs too - some of these ideas are v. unrealistic and will impoverish the service. Voluntary help can only go so far before the service collapses. Libraries are an essential PUBLIC SERVICE. The years of investment should not be sacrificed. The library service should be maintained. It is not an extra in a civil society. Vandalism. Could some savings be achieved by a reduction in opening hours? I pay Council Tax to keep our libraries run by professional staff. If you are going to withdraw services I reserve the right to withold my council tax I appreciate that some cuts may be considered necessary, but my remarks and siggestions are intended to cover this point. I believe that the council should look more carefully at where the money is going. Libraries are too important to risk losing them. they are a gathering place. a place where people can feel safe, warm and relaxed. Children need to learn to appreciate the written word. by reading books children learn to think, write, speak and imagine! to take away books from people is to take away learning. We need this society to keep learning not to give up. Television and mobile phones do enough to replace real relationships. The library is there to build them up and to bring people to life! I can see cuts are necessary, but absolute closures should be minimised. I do not think it necessary to maintain computer terminals in the library for kids to play silly games on. I would not be brokenhearted if there were no DVDs The on-line reservation system serves very well, but we do need local pick-up and return - the petrol costs of going to town are prohibitive. I am angered and greatly saddened by these proposals. By combining the ideology of divestment (over which there was minimal consultation last year) with the decision to make 30% cuts, it seems the current administration is intent on dismantling and destroying a highly efficient and effective library service, which is valued by Suffolk people as well as held in high regard nationally. SCC's website states: 'SCC is committed to engaging with its citizens, getting closer to communities and improving services.' These proposals show no evidence of that - SCC needs to engage with communities, not threaten them, and needs to support them to become more self sufficient and develop their skills, which may include them being involved in running their library, if that is their wish. By June, there will be no Head of Suffolk Libraries, and the leadership team (mainly comprising experienced librarians) will be much reduced. There are currently no concrete proposals, beyond the possibility of a regional partnership for some of the back office provision, for professional support for Suffolk Libraries, or future development . Like Humpty Dumpty - once the library service has been broken up, it cannot be put back together again. Again i feel that the community librarys are more at risk because of which i have noted.so i am quite

concerned that this has to be a choice. I think it is devastating and will have a big impact, particularly for families with children, students, elderly people and those on a low income and unempoyed. Panicked reaction to a central government instruction to reduce costs. Ill thought out, insensitive and biased towards those without access to the resources required to access what is a right. You regard access to information as a privelege, and in doing so you elect to make it a life style choice which will exclude those who most need it. Disgraceful. How can Libraries not be a priority? Not only for Education, but the social aspects they provide are immeasurable. We use our library for book borrowing, internet, social interaction, singing with children, maps, c.d's, DVD's, general knowledge etc I consider that SCC is failing in its statutory obligations. It is simply the decimation of a great service that has been provided for decades purely for political purposes. The service can't and never was intentioned to be run on a profitable basis. To try and outsource the service within a period of six months from the announcement of the intention is far to quick to get the relevant business plan and finance in place that would be needed. Without charging it will lead to closures - without charging inevitable Not keen on the idea of traders in the library I just cannot comprehend why such an excellent and valued service is being treated like this. I worry that if this goes ahead that it will be irreversible and many communities in Suffolk will lose their libraries. In a technological age this may not seem that important to some but to those that use libraries the loss will be significant leaving many even more disadvantaged and excluded. I understand that savings have to be made but surely this can done elsewhere and SCC should be held accountable if they close any without seriously considering other alternatives. Public libraries really are/should be a cornerstone of our society and this wholesale devaluing of them feels like the beginning of the end to me. This is a reactionary step and not a progressive one and should not be dressed up as an opportunity. Libraries are vital to the community in so many ways - it's not just a question of books - access to the interenet, help with research projects, learning new skills, social oppurtunities for people who might otherwise be isolated, young motherswith children, people looking for a place to meet ( for all sorts of reasons - the library is a warm, welcoming and SAFE place. Professional librarians are vital to keep providing these services. When so many people are facing difficult times and financial uncertainty it is even more important to keep a resource like Beccles Library open. I've been a library user since I was 7 (I'm 56 now) and have moved many times, living in very different places in Scotland and England. The first thing I 've done in any place was to join the local library - sometimes a village where it was only open 2-3 days a week, sometimes a mobile library, but it has always been the way to settle into a new area, meet people and find out what's happening locally. Beccles Library always has something happening - a good ' buzz' - a great atmosphere. To lose it would be something irreplacable at the heart of the community. See responses to sections 1-6 Seems inevitable. Don't stop the groups/meeting/family services or visitor numbers to the library WILL decline. Sorry nothing specific but happy to join a steering group/committee Appears balanced but, living in a rural area, doesn't necessarily equate with affluence. I do not wish the service to be commercialised The government has made a mandate to provide free library services I want Newmarket Library to remain Council run + to possibly relocate to a more reasonably priced location. It is great to open up debate and discussion and at at new models as the world is changing. We need to look at the evolving and devleping role of libraries in our communities, but we also need to ensure that they aren't simply handed over to volunteers as they need professionals to run them and adequate budgets. We also can't forget that they are a necessary and much loved resources for

people at various stages in their lives.

A good idea - it's about time the library service had a shake-up! When you consider how other local authorities have coped, I think the futurelooks bright! The premise ubder the 1964 Libraries act that everyone should have access to the right to a free library book on loan is unable to be sustained if the closure goes ahead of the rural libraries since to reach the bigger area library everyone will need to pay for their transport to and from the libtaty. The is no possibility that the existing mobile library service could cover the number of loans in the time allowed for example in Glemsford where 235 people regularly take out book and often order in books from other libraries, 15 or 30 minute visits would not do. It is digraceful It would have been better and more honest to say you are going to cut the service by 30% and seen the impact. The idea that running libraries any other way is going to save either many libraries or much money was ill-conceived. I am shocked that the Council see this as a luxury. It is an essential part of the community, of education. The Council can CHOOSE where to make the cuts and closing libraries should NOT be an option where it takes residents more than 30 minutes to reach the next nearest library, as in the case of Eye. Reducing hours could be an option, but keeping these varied re day and time. Then in better times the library hours could be extended again. I believe that libraries should be maintained in as many areas as possible. The trained professional staff are essential to the service. There doesn't seem a very clear proposal of what service will be provided. I disagree with 'divestment' and think the 'big society' idea is a scam which will result in failure and a loss of essential services ie our libraries. Not a lot The library must stay open it is a vital part of community life; young and old persons benefit from its books and other entertainment + learning provided. It may mean a small membership fee is needed or a very small charge for books borrowed plus voluntary help (I'm willing) This is not a proper consultation: it is a pistol at the head of the community. We are 'consulting' after the decision has been made and threatened that we have to come up with a solution or lose the service. This consultation is not aimed at individuals but groups who are possibly able to run the service. Suffolk needs to completely rethink its strategy on these proposals - otherwise you are in possible breach of the 1964 Libraries & Museums Act. Your consultation clearly indicates that we, as members of the public fail to provide part time help then Suffolk might well consider closing libraries. Dismal! The Tory-led Council do not have a political mandate to close libraries as one cllr. campaigned to close libraries in the last elections I think the proposals are shortsighted, prejudiced against inhabitants of rural settings and take away a incredibly valuable and useful resource for people. I have two sons at high school that use the library for books to help them with their study and by taking away this resource they will miss out, as I will not be able to afford to buy them the books they need. I have currently completed a course as a mature study and the library was invaluable to me for resources. Once again the Council seems to be taking a shortsighted decision that will widen the difference between the wealthy and the poor. N/A If closing library would be huge loss to community. Worrying! not keen, I feel it is not necessary to close these community libraries I strongly disapprove of the proposals.

A further reduction to the services provided to the community. We already lost two post offices and two banks. Imaginative, providing that a qualified librarian is running the service. If it ain't broke don't fix it! It is a pity that it has come to this but needs must when the Devil drives! Unsatisfactory. Not good! Very sad and it would be a blow to the community. I use the library virtually every week. No matter when I go there are always people in there. Even though I have access to the internet at home I still often jump on the computer there as it is convenient for quick searches. Parents take their children there and really make use of the reading programmes. Its at the heart of the community and is the place where people meet and chat. I could never afford to buy the number of books to read that I can access through the library. I never go to Stowmarket as it is 11 miles away and I will not go there just to go to the library. This means that I will no longer access library services. Public libraries were meant to allow access for all, especially those on low incomes, to literature. By culling libraries in the country areas you are making it hard for people (especially the elderly or those without private transport) to access those left. The public transport where I live is not good. We consider that the proposals are not entirely well understood. It is our view that having met with a number of colleagues that there are real opportunities to enhance the service through the strategy whilst recognising the requirement upon Local Authorities and other bodies to make public spending cuts. At times we feel the message is too negative and through engaging other partners there are real opportunities as yet not clearly articulated to enhance rather than contract provision. If it helps save money and keep the library service running to serve the largest number of people, it is a good thing. Rubbish not much, i think it will lead to the demise of library services in suffolk if carried through. I think it appalling that you find these easy solutions, that you "expect" the general public to wade in and take over, unthinking. I think it terribly misleading that you beg for forgiveness that the process should be necessary when you have in fact OVER SPENT on the service in previous years....shame on you! And then to produce a consultation without first consulting staff (or thereafter!), the consultation itself leading the innocent general public to not comment unless they have an idea or business themselves to run a library....appalling! Very poor. Short sighted and nonsensical. I don't know how you can sleep at night. As I have stated, I think the decision to divest libraries and other services, especially in vulnerable rural communities, is a dreadful policy and people are going to ask the question as to why they are paying their council taxes if the services they expect are no longer provided. Extremely harsh measures caused by the 30% cuts. I belong to two choirs in the area, both of which rely on the library service to resource music for performances. If this service is no longer available the membership subs will be increased considerably if music is to be purchased privately, thus making it extremely difficult to maintain this traditional social/community pastime. I have a concern about the library service being run by private businesses mainly to generate income, which is not the purpose of a free library service. Not appropriate I don't think any changes need to be effected - increased revenue can be sought through other avenues I think it is important that as many community libraries as possible remain open - as important as a community centre. How are the libraries that are left supposed to cope with the extra demand of more users. Lets hope that your replacement agencies manage to maintain the existing services.

What proposals? Just as this is not a consultation, your 'proposals' are unclear and under developed. Shameful. You the C.C. should be thinking about viable proposals. I propose that funding continue until you the C.C. provide ideas. I believe Suffolk CC is neglecting its duties to provide for the county in a serious way and should not be parcelling this important service out to organisations who may not be able/willing to provide a county-wide service. They are too drastic. In EYE this is the only service provided by the Council, our waste disposal centre and even the public toilet is to close. We don't have any sporting facilities, swimming pool or tennis courts. the lack of facilities does not seem a fair return for our council tax. Appalled that such a valuable service could be drastically reduced. Not very good Saving peanuts in overall scheme of things - easy cut. Don't know your proposals Rubbish Disagree Inappropriate Not reasonable at all In-appropriate Reluctantly sensible but cuts are not what we want. Concerning as it seems they are based on cutting funding rather than community needs Sorry it has to be cuts I think it is ridiculous at a time when the population is ageing to reduce in any way a service which is so widely and successfully used. Words do not adequately express my thoughts re. the overall proposal. Lets just say it's not positive!!! I can not really comprehend why you are doing this!!! No further comments. I have suffered from Depression for several years now. At one point I could hardly bear to leave my house. My doctor asked if there was anywhere I felt safe enough to visit and I said I would try the Library, which is close to where I live. He suggested some books on my condition might help too. On my first visit to Rosehill I found it such a warm and friendly place and the staff were so welcoming. The manager renewed my library card and found me books on Depression and Agoraphobia. I felt able to talk to her about my problems and she told me times when the Library was most likely to be quieter. I forced myself to make this a weekly trip just to get me out of the house and gradually gained enough strength to not have to worry about visiting when the library was busy. I know that libraries help a lot of people in different ways and it terrifies me to think how I could still be sat alone at home in the dark if it had not have been for my little walks to the Library each week. The library means so much to me and I still visit each week, now able to stay longer and chat about my favourite authors with the librarian. The opening hours, continuity of the staff, quality of service are all so important. Please save Rosehill Library. Not much! Our Library is well used so lots of people would miss it, including me. Save our Library Rosehill. Use of volunteers unreliable. Volunteers need to be trained and supervised during and have work checked afterwards. Too much thinking of saving money and not enough thought of the future. You have not indicated for how long you expect the public to run the libraries? I assume that when the economy improves you will take back the responsibility? See above Rosehill Library should be left as it is.

I appreciate that you have to make savings but I think that these proposals will only negatively affect local people and communities. For some people (and not just oldies like me) their library is a lifeline offering so much for free! With public transport being reduced so drastically, people cannot afford to get to other libraries. I appreciate that large savings need to be made and that opening hours may need to be reduced and book stock not replaced so well. However, I think the cost of divestment may well eat up all the savings we can make by efficiency, natural wastage as staff leave, or reduction in hours. How much, for example, is this consultation costing? It would seem a very poor idea to reduce the current immeasurably valuable service provided by Beccles library in any way. I feel sure that the council could find other ways of cutting it's services, particularly at the present time when citizens are in need of the library's services even more than before. The library provides facilities for local residents to use the internet, to search for employment, to print CV's or send emails about employment positions. It provides training, and expands citizens skills. It provides a venue for otherwise isolated people to come together. It does all this admirably now and should be given the means to continue to provide this when the need will only be greater. I do not agree with the demise of the library service, as, if this does go ahead , the service as we know it, will be lost forever. This will affect future generations, particularly those disadvantaged families who can not afford to buy books or have a PC at home. Children's education will suffer as a consequence, as many come to the library for refernce purposes when doing homework etc. Th library is a hub for meeting people, particularly those elderly or widowed who do not necessarily feel comfortable going to organised groups or clubs. I don't know as they have not been clearly explained to employees let alone the general public. Woeful. Civilisation in a developed country is defined by many things ( Health Care, Education, Social Care etc.) the provision of free, accessible, plentiful and properly run libraries is a major contributor. See answer 1 I want the libraries to stay open. They are an essential resource for the public, and are particularly used by those in socially or economically deprived groups (parents of young children, especially working class and single parents, disabled people, older people, etc). I believe that SCC needs to withdraw these proposals, and consult again on fresh proposals which are consistent with the statutory duty which falls upon it under the Public Libraries & Museums Act 1974 to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service. The new proposals should be based on options for cuts across the entire library service to the extent these are economically necessary, in order that the public can express views as to which forms of economies are more acceptable to them. It is a disgrace that you can consider having libraries run by volunteers. These people mean well but they cannot run and efficient service and it is morally wrong to take paid workers' jobs. I think that they are clever and useful and they will help suffolk libraries in the future I hate the idea of some corporation taking over the libary. The idea of a bookshop/library is a horrible thought. Libraries should belong to everyone, not the few rich people. The Chestnut Centre at Chalfont St. Giles library doesn't sound to bad. Wouldn't want a library in a pub though.

Re: Suffolk s Libraries. Dear All, I am writing in my capacity as Parish Clerk on behalf of Yoxford Parish Council. We wish to protest loudly against the possible closure of Saxmundham and Leiston Libraries. These Libraries provide access to books, fiction, non fiction and reference along with other facilities that are not readily available in the area. This service is particularly important to children and people of advancing years and also to those without means of transport, of which there are many in both of these Towns. Relying on Public Transport to reach Woodbridge or Halesworth (assuming these would be the next nearest Libraries) would be a major undertaking for the aforementioned groups, even for those with vehicles the distance they would have to travel is unreasonable and would have an adverse environmental impact. We realise costs could be tweaked, i.e. change of hours, reduced services, increased use of Voluntary staff we feel you are missing the point. We do not want the Libraries to close and there is a statutory duty to provide this service (Libraries Act 1964). We want to keep all our Libraries, we feel that to remove them is short sighted and unnecessary and that there are other areas that could be considered before removing something as fundamental as Libraries. We feel maintaining our Libraries should be a priority. They are a long established means of allowing the population to enhance learning and gain access to knowledge and should not be lightly discarded. Re: Suffolk s Libraries. Dear All, I am writing in my capacity as Parish Clerk on behalf of Yoxford Parish Council. We wish to protest loudly against the possible closure of Saxmundham and Leiston Libraries. These Libraries provide access to books, fiction, non fiction and reference along with other facilities that are not readily available in the area. This service is particularly important to children and people of advancing years and also to those without means of transport, of which there are many in both of these Towns. Relying on Public Transport to reach Woodbridge or Halesworth (assuming these would be the next nearest Libraries) would be a major undertaking for the aforementioned groups, even for those with vehicles the distance they would have to travel is unreasonable and would have an adverse environmental impact. We realise costs could be tweaked, i.e. change of hours, reduced services, increased use of Voluntary staff we feel you are missing the point. We do not want the Libraries to close and there is a statutory duty to provide this service (Libraries Act 1964). We want to keep all our Libraries, we feel that to remove them is short sighted and unnecessary and that there are other areas that could be considered before removing something as fundamental as Libraries. We feel maintaining our Libraries should be a priority. They are a long established means of allowing the population to enhance learning and gain access to knowledge and should not be lightly discarded. IF THE LIBRARY IS USED BY ONLY A FEW THEN IT SHOULD BE CLOSED It is going to be sad to close libraries in Suffolk both in towns and villages especially where local bus services are also being cut or the services completely cancelled. Not good - THINK AGAIN - this time taking into consideration not the finances (which will change and in a few years will not even be a consideration) but the welfare and well being of each community. Once the libraries have closed, they are lost and cannot be retrieved, especially by the Council. Such a step should not be taken. I feel that this is a backward step, and not cost effective in the long run. The libraries are a lifeline for some old people, Young couples and middle aged people use the library for recreational reading and for research and information. But most importantly children of all ages use Kesgrave library constantly this fosters a love of books and literacy, improves reading skills and helping with research for school and collage work. All the above can & will lead to more children on the streets causing trouble, lower standards of literacy and social isolation for QAPs, to rectify this will cost more money in the long term ?

People of all ages and cultures up and down the country need the facilities either to use the building to study and as a meeting place and the most important of all books.We need professional staff to run our libraries but not at the expense of closing smaller branches but rather cutting the hours they are open. Mobile libraries in some remote areas should be kept though some could be cut where there is a library nearby and this would be able to serve those customers unable to get out and about by using the HLS facility. I think that you should keep the Ipswich Central Library open and operating as a full service library staffed by competent, experienced and professional library staff and not expect voluntary groups to be able to provide any where near the level of service that is required or expected of a good County Library. Running down service in suffolk is not my idea of good practice. See above. Right to save money . Yet wrong to ask for comments in this in my opinion ( and I've heard others voice it too) bureaucratic style format Libraries should not be out sourced Diabolical - don't the people of suffolk employ the council? Then why are they not listening to us and why is Andrea Hill simply pushing through her mad ideas just to make a name for herself? I am sure that even if the country did not have thsi massive debt, that Ms Hill would be pushing through these wild ideas just to use Suffolk as a staging ground for her to move on to bigger and better things (perhaps politics) Not that politics would pay more! If we can't afford libraries that serve everyone then how can we afford Ms Hill that serves only her own purposes? The library service, as a freely available service for all, should be prioritised over benefits for a few, even if they are your preferred voters. You should reduce opening hours (though still keeping a range of opening times across day, evening, weekend) rather than reducing geographical spread. Or use innovative solutions such as premise sharing with other businesses and groups along with automated reservations and collections, to reduce your overhead costs whilst still providing services without excluding on basis of location or time access. I think more money has been spent on 'consultation' in the last 10 months than actually will be saved next year. I think staff at SCC are at the lowest moral ever and we are asking library staff to come up with these solutions although they are librarians and not 'business managers' - which is like asking turkeys to vote for Christmas. I have concerns that the proposals are still tied into using CSD services, which are NOT cost effective and that any groups taking the library on will be tethered to certain aspects - so how can big savings be made? I am concerned that the consultation is not actually going to listen to the public and I am concerned that libraries will be divested in a knee-jerk way to save money but the decision will be felt long into the future - is it actually a consultation or has the decision already been made? I am concerned that the team leading this is doing so from a distance and that lead officers for each area are not going to be supported to the extent that they need to be - mine for example was not briefed when I spoke to her. The public are still not fully aware of the consequences and when services change, the outcry will come. Much is being made of the solutions offered by local groups, but without ongoing support, these will not all succeed - how will quality control take place and be measured? Who can be happy about cuts to services? A way of saving money which impacts on culture and communities. Reduction of bureaucracy in central council admin. Should be top priority. I THINK THAT ANY SAVINGS MADE IN CLOSING LIBRARY'S WILL MAKE COMMUNITIES LESS APPEALING TO FUTURE GENERATIONS. HAVING NO PLACE TO MEET & EXCHANGE VIEWS ON BOOKS & LOCAL EVENTS, A LIBRARY IS OFTEN THE FIRST PLACE PEOPLE LOOK FOR WHEN FIRST ARRIVING IN A COMMUNITY, A PLACE THEY USE MORE OFTEN THAN ANY OTHER. The library service should be run by the County Council for the people of Suffolk who pay for it. I think you are taking the easy way out.

I think Sunday and public holiday opening is unnecesary and that opening hours should be reviewed with the aim of producing savings. Unfortunately libraries in the rural areas are having to pay for the extensive renovations and rebuilding in Bury St Edmunds. I feel the county is trying to offload its responsibilities for the rural ares onto communites which are already deprived. We understand there must be cuts but each area must be considered individually. The county service works so well in the way books are circulated between libraries As per qu 6 above It will damage the little community that is left in the countryside. I think it is a great shame that such a vital resource as libraries, which provide encouragement to children to become involved in reading (and hence learning), offer such a service to communities, and provide a forum for a variety of community activities should be under threat. I understand that the Government has forced this review by reducing funding to councils, but Suffolk's proposals to severely reduce this service is a great disappointment. The concept of a "Big Society" without financial support from the Government is ridiculous. Ideas appropriate for Lavenham - to donate books to topup. - book shop to share. A mobile library is not economic, specially with the cost of petrol & diesel nor would a postal service be reliable Not at all impressed I fail to see how closing libraries will encourage a community spirit and 'big society'. Surely the library plays a vital part at the heart of a community, particularly in a small village. I think that to lose any of the local services would be a travesty, people and communities rely heavily on the library service The proposals are not clear enough to comment on. This just seem to outline how you are deciding which services to close. It is not clear how simple transfer of responsibility will reduce costs. One of the great advantages of the current set-up is that books can be shared and accessed by all the libraries in Suffolk. It is not clear how this would work if the stock of books is further dispersed into smaller locations like shops and pubs. Part of the value of a library is its focus on media rather than other things - this could be lost. It has been good effort to involve public in the consultation process In some cases it may work depending on local support. I would NOT wish to see professional posts of this nature disappear. In rural areas or large villages - libraries are v. important - ours, serves many other nearby small villages. We should "aim high" ie look to care for ALL the electors, not just the fat! I don't really think sharing a library with a shop would always work - sharing with a university or college might. It has been good effort to involve public in the consultation process As a teacher and a parent, I fam totally opposed to your ideas for cuts to library services. I have spoken to neighbours, students, parents, colleagues and library staff and we are united in our utter disappointment and disgust at the proposals. I hope you fully realize what a sea-change is in central governments approach to local government & is tobe for the foreseeable future; indpendent of future changes of government. How long are you likely to maintain the "add-ons" :- internet access, e-books, satellite dishes et al - "Free" state provision of any service is likely to be "bog standard" only. As mentioned under question 1 I do not personally agree with this divestment approach. Whilst i appreciate and understand that usage of some libraries is low and therefore expensive i feel that there are other options to consider. Not much. Aldeburgh residents face round trips of over 20m to nearest county lib. The prospect of a 21 mile round trip to visit a library in Halesworth is unattractive in the extreme and could take business away from the Saxmundham High Street. I do not believe untrained volunteers could sustain running the library service successfully if that became the case for Saxmundham.

We are very saddened by these proposals. Libraries should be making sure that small children are encouraged to read and that children from less fortunate families have access to computers. Fine so long as Southwold is not closed. Whilst we do understand that cuts are being made - & have to be made - your proposals appear to amount to a dereliction of duty to provide the public with a fairly basic service. I think you have taken the easy option without looking at cuts in other places (such as high salaries in in middle management) We were satisfied with libraries as the were. If change is essential we would prefer that the salaries of senior council employees are reduced in order to support the library service. Overall proposals would increase petrol consumption & road usage. e.g. In Southwold we would have to travel to Halesworth. Disappointing. Merely another blow to young people (increase bus fares for 6th form). Along with loss of EMA. We will end up with disallusioned, bored youngsters. Appalling. Central and Local Govt.'s main role is to support its citizens. The Home Secretary, I understand, is legally bound to provide comprehensive and efficient libraries. We are told there is no money for community services- but there seems to be money enough to interfere with other countries. Not in the interests of the community We want our library to stay open We want our library to stay open. Very Poor & a reflection of a selfish regime It is a shame that cuts have to be made - I believe libraries are extremely important for communities. Such drastic cuts should not be made. Many unnecessary leaflets, letters etc are circulated by the Council & one leader's remuneration is scandalous. Not much. Dubious. Terrible. We should be promoting reading and literacy and these proposals damage any hope of helping those who totally rely on libraries. At present it will also be illegal to withdraw the library service totally so I hope this matter will be addressed seriously. Not at lot. If we lose the library a lot of elderly an disabled will be left with nothing. Unfair. In the present recession with many people facing money difficulties and possible unemployment there is an even greater need for libraries and the services they offer. Very poorly thought out. Done on a whim Practical I am very angry about the proposal to close/divest libraries in Suffolk - this is very short sighted & does not reflect the views of most local people. Doubtful about them I feel it is a tragedy that the library service that I have been an active user of for over 75 years is to be taken from future generations. We think that Suffolk County Council should still provide some financial backing as this library covers a large catchment area. Villages cannot afford to lose librarys completely. To much is being lost in our communities. Don't think library could be moved anywhere else Our nearest county library would be Hadleigh or Chantry, cost of using these (petrol) would not be viable for most in our area I'm slightly sceptical, it's a good system, & savings could be made within it, e.g. shorter opening hours. Pity so much money spent in Bury!

This village is almost as large as Bungay (population) and we desperately need to maintain a library, cafe, and the community activities which are available here. Our school is now part of a 2-tier system, so children will be at school here, until 11 years of age & need the study facilities available ie books, computers. If the library closes, the nearest will be Lowestoft, & a large proportion of residents are elderly who will be unable to travel there, & therefore will have no access to a library service. I think it is shocking that libraries will possibly be closing. They are a key role in most communities, a lot of elderly people cannot get to large towns, etc. Location within the village is not important. All aspects need careful consideration before implementation. Dispicable! The service is crucial and is a focal point for the communitly. Make your austerity cuts elsewhere, preferably by cutting executive salaries. It is a concern that this service has to be reduced Kesgrave Library is not large enough for sharing. It is set out very well. It will be a shame if any library does close there must be some way in reducing costs Dreadfull. Closure is not an option. But finding ways to reduce costsm is sensible. Keep the service, we all need it. My children benefit from the library & art and crafts on a Sunday morning. Helps them for school. Grange Farm kesgrave is big, we all need the library. A panic measure. - Any commercial company has to compete in open tender. In the words of Paul Daniels "Not a lot" Librarys should be run by librarians not volunteers. Cut another service not libraries. I think it is dreadful that this vital service is under threat. I think that too much financial responsibility is being placed on the community to have to find several thousands of pounds on a yearly basis. Ridiculous if these ideas for closure come into effect people should expect a reduction in poll-tax. I think the people who are thinking about closing the Suffolk libraries are doing a very bad thing, Kessingland library must stay open. I agree, but when when decisions are made I hope that communities will have a further opportunity to respond. As a community we are NOT used to involving ourselves in local decisions! It will take time. I think that there should be at least two or three paid workers because it is a skilled job and as children are involved. There needs to be a proper superviser. Just use the library. Our future depends on it. As we already have a purpose built library it would seem to eb possible to incorporate paying commercial/business users, into the facility. As long as you don't go back on your word and let companies who won't keep up the good service we have now proposals are just about acceptable Insufficient detail. Don't know what they are. In my opinion, your proposals are absurd. How can you justify the potential closure of 29 libraries? Not a lot. Not good why build a new library then shut it down Under the circumstances yes well thought out. Anything to ensure that libraries do not close With one sweep of a pen you have decimated our wonderful library service. Ridiculous BAD! Too much reliance on voluntary work. In the present circumstances, few people have leisure to run libraries & in any case, as I have said, professional expertise is essential. CUNNING BUT NOT IN A NICE WAY. Shifting the responsability for shutting libraries to the community/voluntry sector.

I appricate changes need to be made but Kessingland will support our library and give our time to keep the running of the library sessesful and I feel there are other sources that could be rebudgeted as well instead of losing a vitel part of our community. If they end up closing our library a very important part of our village will be lost, it has become a really needed centre to our community. I think you are not being realistic and you are wanting to use a soft target to make cuts in your budget. The proposals that you outline for the library service are not driven by economics, but by a misplaced idealogical divestment strategy. There has been no attempt to try and find a way to carry on running the service by making savings, such as limiting hours of opening, stopping Sunday opening which was introduced it seems on a whim without any one really asking for it. I am anxious that Beccles library remains open as it is an invaluable local resource. I think that the overall proposals are acceptable. Although I don't think that the postal book service is a good idea, having had daily experience with the postal service, mail becomes lost and sometimes damaged, especially at Christmas. The service should not be cut, but extended. Many difficulty choices will need to be made due to the financial situation.Library services in Suffolk are still important and should not be ignored or relegated in this process I think it is SHOCKING that funding is being cut. Kessingland has higher than average levels of deprivation and by cutting the library funding this will lead to a drop in literacy levels resulting in further deprivation. The council has turned it's back on all front line services + is looking to privatise the lot. Shame. Reading and a library should be at the heart of a community and their to encourage the next generation to grow up with a love and appreciation of books. Especially the present economic climate. I think they are ill thought out and naive. Start by reducing your CEO's salary or she won't have any services to run. Closing the libraries in Suffolk is both short-sighted and un-necessary. We feel very strongly that the Library service should remain as it is now. It will have a very bad effect on so many people who use the library service - they will feel cut off & it will take value away from their lives & sense of well-being if they are unable to visit a library & choose books, tapes etc. Libraries encourage children to read and provide many other services other than lending books. We do not support closure of any libraries Should be retained by S.C.C Necessary but uncomfortable. More use of voluntary workers is a necessity & could help to forge community spirit. Absurd and offensive. Reading and learning are so important and to even contemplate closing a busy library is idiotic. A 'necessary evil.' These questionnaires should be more prominetly displayed, however to achieve maximum benefit to all. Absolutely shocking to destroy an essential aspect of continuing education useful to all ages. Appaling. Your ideas for running a library don't really apply to where I live as the parish council can't afford to fund it, there are no bookshops or factories which could take it over, so unless there is another local organisation willing to take over, I don't really have any other suggestions. Parking in Stowmarket has disappeared let close any free parking with such as new Morrisons Supermarket. Shopping is not necessarily in Stowmarket to combine with a library trip. It is vital for the parking available to keep Needham Market open. Except for such as telephone directories. Stowmarket library does not provide much extra.

I do not believe shutting libraries permanently is the answer. Cuts and streamlining can be made at other levels. A frontline library service provided by professional staff in all community areas must be maintained as a priority. Local libraries = local communities. In Capel we need our library - for all ages and community groups. Otherwise we have to travel to Ipswich or Hadleigh, this means more petrol. And less buses! A disgraceful proposal. No proper democratic consultation with the affected community resulting in the likely removal of an important facility particularly relating to the young and the elderly living in a rural community. Closing Capel library branch would be terrible for my family - I home-school one of my children and the library is a vital learning resource for us, it would make life very difficult for us. I can see that costs need to be cut and agree with the proposed closure of small branch libraries so long as rural areas can be served by mobile libraries. Extremely sad and frustrating. To have suggested that all services make the saving of 30% is rather ludicrous when considering the small financial contribution that libraries would make in relation to the potential impact the savings would have on it's community. It will be totally off-balance. I think financial savings at senior management level, a reduction in opening hours and natural wastage and a review of each individual library and it's location should have been enough of a contribution to SCC savings. Should future prosperity come around again those things can be re-instated. The dismantling of Suffolk Libraries would be a greater struggle to repair. Your 'proposals' are very highly slanted towards cutting services which you are obliged to supply. Your staff pays and salary/pensions structure should share the pain! ? proposals The library in hadleigh is more than jusrt a library, its a place for the public to go and relax with literature or use the internet or to browse etc. it's an important place, a refuge with a purpose. For families on low incomes it's invaluable. Children love the library too, especially with all the activitiies on offer. Fine. Overall: I really appreciate tax if being spent on the library system as it offers such good service & covers diverse populations within our rural community. A lifeline to the outside world & new ideas. unclear I think it is necessary to look at the library service to see where savings can be made and I think it is probably just about doable to save 30%. The cuts in services need to be balanced by an increase in funding for new stock. Without this there will not be an opportunity to develop the services that are needed. If the stock is good, which it isn't at the moment, then people will use the library and then you can get businesses involved. On the face of it not too much. It would appear to have been compiled by a series of non practical accountants instead of looking at it from a users viewpoint. For example where does the 30% reduction figure come from, possibly a number that happened to be floating overhead when it was grabbed. As a retired project manager I have, in the past, been responsible for scheduling and pricing military flight simulators where the price (cost + profit) was essential in order to win the contract so I feel I can talk with some authority on how best to establish potential savings without causing too much impact on, in this case, the end user. Delivery as identified gives no indication of wasteful activity already noted such as ranges of books not borrowed, staff ratios out of balance with demand, top heavy management costs . Were footfalls better the costs would drop more in line etc. However unless a borrowing charge or precept raised locally can be made I can see little happenning apart from decimation of the facility . Think all libraries should remain under control of S.C.C

I feel this is such a retrograde step in our so called modern times. Libraries are vital in country communities for education, information. The less well off families have use of the internet, elderly can locate library easily. It's good for young families to use too. It has been such an asset particularly our local library Elmswell - cheerful, hardworking staff always helpful. The layout of Elmswell library is modern, bright & cheerful. Always a pleasure to visit. I have used it since I have retired and taken my grandchildren regularly to get books & to encourage them in the joy of reaading. It will be such a loss to our community. Not good. To close community libraries is a terrible idea. Surely enough money could be saved by purely reducing the days they are open, therefore staff wages will be minimal. Disastrous. Catastrophic (though I haven't seen it) If you valued the service you would fund it properly: savings could be made eg by keeping books on shelves longer - they get sold off when they are still in pretty reasonable condition. Not much. I think its reasonable but not enough consideration is given to how our libraries are a big part of our village life as a community meeting place too. The Glemsford library is much used and will be missed. Unworkable vote labour - they will keep them open Cutting libraries is a disgrace. It is bad for the community. The council should be encouraging people to read books and educate themselves, not making it harder. Rubbish! It is your job as a council to run them Libarary service in Lowestoft is absolutely excellent. Ihave been using especially children's library on regular basis and I am very happy. I have been a professional Volunteer Manager, recruiting and training them. Volunteers can produce fantastic results, but need proper selection, training and support. Get the right Vol in the right job and you have a win win situation. In the current climate of reduced resourcing and expenditure, the local authority is clearly trying to engage local communities in providing some of the ideas and possible solutions to a very complex situatiion. OK but a thriving library like Southwold should not be closed I agree that new ways to run the service are necessary but only if the present service is to remain available to as many people as possible. I fully understand the need for SSC to save money. I would like to see the mobile libraries removed from service and for I find my local library a valuable resource as a place to take my children for free, on a wet day, to broaden their horizons, stretch their minds intellectually and imaginatively and also as a place (one of the few left) that you can meet other people at some of the activities that occur e.g. bookstart story time and so have a place of support and socialisation .......the thought of cutting yet another community resource I find terrible. I see the complete closure or large reduction in hours of libraries as yet another way of making people in the county more isolated and those in the small communities are being hardest hit as their library services on paper do not offer as much 'value for money' as the town libraries. They should all remain open! NO ONE voted to have you disband our services - you DO NOT have a mandate to do this. THE COUNTY's "Strategic Direction" HAS NOT BEEN VOTED ON BY THE PUBLIC AND IS NOT SUPPORTED. Good

very poor- this consultation is extremely biased and is a "fait accompli" as it seems the 29 libraries to go will go no matter what this consultation produces.The data on costs talks about the cost of the county libraries only and is not comparitive. Why does cutting 65% of the libraries only deliver a 30% saving? It is ill-conceived, badly thought out and asking the public to run services for which we already pay the council to run. Based upon what REAL businesses have to do to survive, it is time some real business accumen was applied in council services, your budget may be cut but it IS guarenteed, unlike real business, all you need to do is spend it. I suggest you re-consider the spending options on a much-wider scale and think about things like: management size- do we need all these managers? management costs - why do we pay SO much for the senior team? Do we really have a need to pay 5 or 6 people over 100k PA? I am convinced that the savings required could easily be made without front-line cuts. Stupid and wrong. I am saddened that yet another amenity that I use will be lost. Dangerous - we need qualified librarians to run the library & advise the public. Libraries are vital for each community - young & old. Serve a social purpose too. It's changing our society into one more anti-social. Extremely harsh if no alternative to closure is found! The library in Glemsford is vital to both young & old as an equal of 4,000 inhabitants. The Wickham Market library is an asset to the village; children and elderley residents can get to it where they could not go further afield. It offers many services and the hours of opening allow most people to visit it. If the library is supported by residents who can help the members of the Resource Committee put forward a working plan, then I hope it will continue to be an asset. It will be greatly missed if it has to close. I think they are not correct that's why I'm writing this letter. A step back into the dark ages, definite retrograde step probably conceived by people with no interest in libraries or education. After spending 4,500 of Local Rate payers money. The access ramp at Lakenheath library for mobility scooters is still not accessible. Due to incompitence of Builders instructions of ramp turnaround. Mobile libraries do not have computers for research purposes, or photocopying which many disabled people rely on for their hobbies etc etc. Therefore, I should be lost without a library. and strongly object to the threat of closure. The Librarian at Lakenheath, kindly helps me to climb up & down the entrance steps to allow me to enter & exit. Which is not part of a librarians job. What would happen if I fell? & sued the County Council, for negligence? Sensible to persue inter county appraoch to supply. Although modern developments in technology should always be taken into account, we cannot help feeling this is purely finance driven. Part of a ideologically driven plan to replace public services with privately owned profit making enterprises. It is not up to us to find ways of cutting the library service. It is your job to defend it. We would like to see both groups of libraries retained by S.C.C. We would like to see services developed & expanded to include a number of activities for young & old, for which charges could be made. Don't cut them. There are people who cannot easily get about & need a local library. I dont't want oulton broad librarie to close as its working distance from where i live and if i wanted to go to the librarie i would have to go on the bus to town so would be less likely to not go very much. I want the library to remain council run. relocating to a site with cheaper rates/rent must be a possibility? Could the library & Foley house activity groups be sited together? A local library is an incredibly important part of a childs education and a positive & memorable early life experience. I am not in favour of reducing the number of libraries at this time of increasing fuel costs - many people can walk to their community library but not to the central one, bus fares, petrol costs are

increasing. Jobs are being lost ie less money for bus fares etc. I think you are taking 'a sledgehammer to crack a nut! Just because a library is small does not mean it doesn't have potential. The communities I mention above will all suffer further deprivation without their library facility, and are of a sufficient size to expect their County Council to provide them with one. Please think again about these ones. I have 9 years service in my local library, which I have enjoyed tremendously and continue to do so in spite of the present uncertainties. I am qualified, professional and productive, and take a pride in my job. I think the overall ideas are good but the rural areas are having their services cut too much. It is a shame that cuts are effecting libraries and culture but there seems to be little that can happen to stop it. I think the fact that Suffolk are looking at as many options as possible for keeping libraries open (compared to big cities and 'Capitals of culture' such as Liverpool) is something that makes me proud to live in Suffolk. I hope that a solution can be found that benefits the community and the reduced budgets! I am not aware of details The library service is very good I give it 100/100. I think it is shortsighted of the town council to attract visitors & holiday makers to Southwold with a million pound beach and then deny those same holiday makers a basic service like a library Terrible. Leave the service alone. Once we lose our libraries we will never get them back. In ten years time the government (local and national) will be complaining how poor our literacy levels are and how communities are failing. Short term, hurried, short sighted, philistine, anti-democratic,naive,verging on incompetent - see the fate of compliant conservative councils ( including their funding) under previous conservative governments They seem fair, I am concerned that there would be no county libraries between Woodbridge and Halesworth. A map would make this clearer It's so sad that such an excellent service is being hatcheted to such a degree. I work for Suffolk County Council and I note the great disparity between services/buildings in Ipswich with those in the outlying areas. I think if the "big wigs" left their air conditioned offices and ventured out, the resources may be distributed evenly! Very little. The provision of libraries has hidtorically provided a fine community service that enables access to materials that many otherwise would not have. It also encoruages an interest in reading, learning and personal development in all from childhood that otherwise might decline - to the detriment of society as a whole. Libraries encourage a better educated society which aids all of us. This could easily be lost when volunteers decline I think its ridiculous to suggest putting the library in another building where it is, is PURPOSE BUILT Outrageous. Philistine. To sum up, driven not by the determination to serve the people of Suffolk but instead by an obsessive attachment to ideology of "divestment". What you are actually doing is washing your hands of the responsibility and at best your intent is merely an hysterical reaction based on flawed instinct and information. At worst, it's a ????? ploy to defraud the people of Suffolk of their civil society. Either way it is a heinous travesty. If you're interested at all in actual consultations, I suggest you visit Redbridge Council's Conversation 'You Choose' site to see how it's done: https://youchoose.yougov.com/redbridge/AboutYou/Index/2010 Redbridge is a Conservative-led council. I trust you will view all my comments in a non-partisan light. NOT good Be careful you dont make it to difficult with times & locations for people to use as if its not used enough it will give you opportunity to close much more Libraries

I disagree with them very strongly. I feel that the level of training you give to your staff which enables them to provide a first class service is then treated as a mockery that you can then turn around and say that libraries could be run by volunteers. I believe that there should be at least one paid member of staff at each library, but this is all you have anyway, at many of the single staffed libraries. I feel that your proposal is very short sighted, that libraries are vital to the young people in this country. with all the other spending cuts going on there are going to be more and more people who can't afford their own computer and so would want to use the ones in the libraries to apply for new jobs. As people won't be able to go out so much, they will turn to 'free' places to go, like libraries. I think you should have considered reducing the length of opening hours, not closing branches altogether if there is no local group come forward. I think they are appalling; ill thought out and could result in the closure of many libraries if their local communities are unable to take them on either through lack of funds or experience. This is absolutely disgraceful despite the need to make budget cuts. Has every option to make savings within the existing framework been explored? Please think again. It will be a good effort to involve public in the consultation. Should be more like an feedback sheet. I am not particularly happy as this facility once taken away will deprive many young and people, like myself who love reading but would be unable to continue this hobby if this facility were taken away. I would not be able to purchase books. I understand the need for change but I can not stress the need for libraries and the varied and excellent service they currently provide. No matter what the affluence of an area the library provides an 'open to everybody' space that creates community cohesion and free access to books/internet which in our current economic climate must be maintained for the future sucess of this country. Being able to browse is so important as it spreads ideas and knowledge to people of any age. If a 'pick up point' ect replaces the common library it will be a sad day for socialising skills, communities, learning and free access to local/national information and leisure/culture. Not good you seem to be thinking of a library as a separate entity both physically and as a financial entity. It does not have to be so. Don't agree with outsourcing - if you are unable to reduce costs and manage efficiently then the problem is with council managers who are not up to the standard required. It should be possible for a council to operate a service as efficiently as a private company. It is an absolute disgrace! Libraries are one of Suffolk County Council's success stories but now you want to take an axe to them... Essex County Council are not closing any of their libraries, why not take some inspiration from them? Libraries use such a small percentage of the County Council's budget - even if you closed every single one, the savings would be marginal! Come on Suffolk think again, libraries will be more needed than ever as the cuts bite. Families need to be able to educate their children, those on limited incomes still need a place to meet and better themselves, job seekers need friendly helpful advice and access to computers... None of the libraries should be closed and the staff should not be replaced by volunteers, it simply would not be a library then more of a secondhand book store. #NAME? Cutting down too drastic - can see how it fits in with money needs though. Change likely to be resented by many people - too rapid. Possiby ?more cuttting-down etc first? When there are fewer libraries, invest more into those few - well-working but small service. IN MY OPINION COUNTY LIBRARIES MUST REMAIN PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS WITH VOLUNTEERS DOING NON LIBRARIAN TASKS (CAFE, PO's etc) COMMUNITY LIBRARIES MIGHT JUST GET AWAY WITH VOLUNTEER STAFFING AFTER SOME TRAINING You should be thinking about opposing the County Council's decision, instead of accepting it and trying to make local communities responsible for them. After all, that is one of the reasons why we pay council tax.

I am very disappointed at the number of proposal closures and reduction of service. Both Norfolk and Essex are keeping their branch libraries open and I cannot see why Suffolk cannot do the same. The Suffolk proposals will have a very detrimental effect on the use of the library service and will have an adverse effect on peoples ability to source reading material. Halesworth already provides an excellent service. Staff could not do more. Rural communities will require different services to urban areas. I agree with your proposed criteria for county libraries but longer opening hours woudl mean more staff costs. I am afraid these proposals are short sighted. Cuts and income generation can be obtained in many other ways and it appears that these alternatives have not been considered or looked at in any detail. Sadly it reflects the attitude that the better off never want to help services for the rest of the country A travesty, as suggested in Q5. As the recession hits people more and more, libraries in their current form will be needed more and more by the poor, the unemployed, the elderly, the immigrants,the children, the disabled and others. When so many day services for the elderly, sick and disabled have already closed,youth services to follow, what will be available for them as an alternative when libraries are run by Americans for profit? As petrol/busfares soar,why reduce a service available to all, so many people have to travel a greater distance to reach a library at great cost to themselves? What happened to the concept of the greenest county? Social inclusion for all? Equal opportunities ? Reducing illiteracy ? Our community would be without a valuable service which is much appreciated & essential for many people. Short sighted and destructive, once things have been "divested" they have gone for good, so more will need to be "divested" in future crisis until there is nothing left to cut. I do not agree with them, there will have to be cuts but i feel this is not the way forward . Worrying because all change is uncertain. However, I am interested in outcomes and I want to see a good libray service continuing. I do not mind how they are acheived, provided any profits are ploughed back into the service and not syphoned off to pay dividends of private shareholders. Not thought through and impossible to implement - most cost savings could be made in larger libraries - staff, running costs, opening hours. Smaller libraries should not be considered as less important. I think it was quickly thought of without any thought, its peoples right to be able to use a library. I think that the prosposal is wrong and It would be a shame to lose any of our library services. All suffolk libraries should be kept as they are. The propsals sound like a good idea and I think they would provide a better library service. I do not think that divesting libraries into communities is a good idea. I like the joined-up approach to libraries; the idea that they operate as a whole with local groups/clubs in each branch. This means that there is no difficulty getting books etc from elsewhere and that stock changes a lot as people move it around. Having each library separate would inevitably mean barriers as each governing body would choose their own policies re: interlending etc. I worry that the AHLS will be affected and that mobile libraries aren't even mentioned. They are a typical Tory approach to privatise all public provision and have nothing at all to recommend them except as a cover up for the government's determination to slash and cut all public services for mainly doctrinaire reasons.

As above we contribute great amounts od tax - Council, PAYE, Corporation, VAT & as healthy 30+ with no children we do not use any other resources - the library is literally the only benefit. To lose it would be hard to take as it is sited in a building which was I believe donated & therefore has no costs it must cost less than others. What would become of the very new + purpose built building if the library closes? Bungay's ????? Community Centre is also due to be moved - the centre of the town will have less + less reasons for people to come in from the outskirts, this is something planners should consider, we do not want Bungay to become like Diss - a dead heart killed by poor planning allowing all services to be on the edges. - Ditchingham daycare is also losing it's premises. Soon - I am sure there are other local groups who also need facilities if the full picture was considered no doubt they could be combined & resources used more efficiently. too general to be conclusive. I find the proposals complex. In short there is not enough money to pay for services currently provided. Cut out non essentials. In a perfect golden age libraries were a wonderful asset after work at 15 I visited my local library every late night opening for ?? one FICTION & two NON every week early 1950's To quote one of our members: "As a youngster, the library was a lifeline for me and I cannot conceive of a society which does not provide all its citizens with this most basic of resources." Unbelievable. Cannot believe our County Council really wants to turn back the clock to pre - 1850 (Libraries Act). Philistines! Fairly acceptable, but in Elmswell I think to add other 'business' would retract from what is offered at the moment. It seems to me that we are starting from the wrong basis, viz that the library services must be cut. Many other authorities have decided that library services must be protected and I consider that Suffolk County Council should make the same decision. It is up to our library authority to make this case, instead of the defeatist attitude of looking for other less efficient ways which would save money and produce a very inferior service. Westbourne Library provides an excellent service for a very large area and should be preserved and developed. I think that it is a knee jerk response and ill thought out. A library provides more than a book lending service for many but these extras are not easy to measure. I regret that I am not in a position to be able to contribute towards proposals in the consultation document - which I must confess I find really rather difficult to understand. May I however make one or two personal comments as a consumer of the County's most excellent library services. My wife and I (retired civil servants) make considerable use of the county's library services. I use the very well managed Saxmundham library regularly; but normally by ordering books on line in advance. I borrow say 75 books a year (it has been more in the past) - for purposes of published research, private research and leisure reading. My wife makes regular use of the efficient Mobile Service which comes to MIddleton, borrowing something in the order of 250 to 300 books a year for leisure reading. We accept that pressure for savings may result in loss or reduction of services. We would regret it, but being mobile would be able to go to Halesworth or other larger centre by car (albeit with less regularity perhaps) if Saxmundham Library and the local Mobile services were to be closed. We would strongly hope that a full service could be retained near enough to our home not to represent a disincentive for continued frequesnt access - eg at Halesworth, Aldeburgh, Southwold, or Framlingham at a pinch or even Beccles. Wickham Market or Woodbridge would be too far. The service we need is for collection and return of books. Essentially, little esle affects our use of the library. We could and certainly would be happy to make more use of on line ordering, although my wife enjoys taking out a pick and mix of light reading from the mobile library. I have occasionally and gratefully used the internet access at Saxmundham (in event of breakdown at home). I have very occasionally used the Halesworth LIbrary to read a paper or browse waiting for my wife or others in the town. And, not my department, but it gives me the greatest pleasure to see children, especially very young ones, making good and cheerful use of Saxmundham library for

borrowing books, reading, browsing or joning in community activities. I hope that helps describe the needs of two retired persons in your County and would gladly answer any follow-up questions on the above aspects of the issue of provision of good liobrary services in the future.

They are poor. Libraries provide excellent efficient facilties to encourage life-long learning. I dont think the service should be lost, reduced if necessary and look at areas where minimal charges could be introduced to offset running costs. Link up with schools, nursing homes etc to come up with schemes that can benefit all and either generate income or reduce costs. OUR LIBRARY SERVICE SHOULD NOT BE LOST!! It's an outrage! Shame on you! Public services, including local libraries, should remain in the public domain. I totally disagree with the concept of trying to get volunteers, local groups or private companies to run them. Rubbish. Look somewhere else to save money. Libraries serve young and old and bring people together to enrich their lives. I think they are unfair and unjust, poorly thought through and an insult to tax-payers. Please explain where our Council tax is going? Shocking. Towns like Bungay have few enough facilities as it is. If library closes, those who can will travel to H/worth or Beccles, and take their custom to shops there as well. You'll help destroy our shops as well as closing a valuable community resource and centre. Should keep them as they are. Many voluntary groups already. There's an absence of logical thinking. I'm reminded of rabbits caught in car headlights. Whoever has made decisions about the library service, knows nothing about the valuewe place upon libraries as places of education, meeting places for numerous groups, childrens activities & most of all the joy of choosing & reading books. Not properly thought through, use more part time staff reduce opening hours (open later in the morning say 11am) Stop becoming a free of charge internet caf with declining bus services. Any reductions in library sites is bound to reduce services even more. Where are the voluntary/community groups supposed to get the working capital to run these libraries that are proposed to be halved off? No amount of bring and buy sales will address this problem.

They are a disgrace, for the following reasons: 1. The proportion of the SCC budget that goes into the library service is minimal- 9m is nothing in the great scheme of things 2. The Suffolk library service has rightly prided itself on being "lean and mean"- in other words achieving as much if not more than other authorities with mimimal spend. The result is there is no "fat" to cut back on! Asking someone of 21 stone to lose a third of their body weight means they go down to 14 stone which is healthy: asking someone of 9 stone to do the same means they become critically ill and may even die. 3. I object to the comment about "more essential" services- everything our libraries do helps to save money on other services by leading to greater happiness and therefore being more healthy, and greater self sufficiency through learning and access to information 4. The process is far too short to allow for the development of alternatives and support for those alternatives- why is an important service like this allowed to be the guinea pig, not just in SCC but in the country as a whole? 5. Regardless of statements to the contrary, this will lead to library closures- even with the libraries that are divested- those interested in running a library won't know the complexity of what they are taking on until they take it on and when they find they can't cope the support they need won't be sufficient. 6. The managers of libraries will have to make their own decisions when presented with conflicting ideas from a committee- this level of responsibility deserves a higher level of pay, not more 7. The "Gainsborough" experience worked because there was a higher than average level of management input- but NSD is about less involvement from management- in fact it isn't yet clear what the new management structure will be 8. The new structure of libraries means there will be no posts in Suffolk itself designed for a professional librarian- why bother to do the training and get the qualification if it isn't needed? Would we devalue teachers, doctors, engineers and architects in this way? The cuts are bad and volunteers will be unable to run the library to the current standards. We think the library is an essential service the council should fund like the roads, waste collection etc. Its is just as important. Libraries are best run by the professionals even if open for less hours. The overall cutting of any funds to town village librarys in any shape or form should not happen. step backwards. I am appalled by them. Library is more important to students + older people + could encompass more facilities if the buildings were used by more than one S.C.C. dept. Needs must disband mobile service use money to invest in library services more use of volunteers properly trained & co-ordinated by a team of paid staff. prune management cases. Start at top. I made that clear in answer 1 Libraries Consultation 2011 We refer to the above consultation and have the following comments: We take exception to the tone and limitations imposed by the consultation letter which is bound to stifle debate. There is an assumption that library services are not an essential front line service and that they should bear a far greater cut in financial provistion than is being imposed by central government ("greater than 30%" as compared with 19.6% reduction in grant), Nowhere has any consideration been given to the option of an increase in Council Tax to fund continuation of the status quo assuming that this is even necessary. The assumption that "community libraries" are somehow less important because of their lower loan levels is to completely misjudge their value to the community as set out in the first paragraph of Cllr Terry's introduction to the consultation. Libraries in our area such as Leiston, Saxmundham and Southwold are examples where they are part of the community infrastructure. As the most recent reports indicate that "County Libraries" are now equally at risk from the intended course of action, the impact of closure of Halesworth, our local library, is totally objectionable. This custom built venue provides a modern library service greatly used by all strands of the community and is a key function in the attraction of the market town as it struggles to compete with out of town shopping and reduction in public transport, school closure etc. The role of libraries in the regeneration of settlements listed as at risk should be obvious. The extent of voluntary staff in libraries is already an indication of community involvement. It is bizarre

that you should be asking unqualified members of the public to assume the running of the library service. Our response to this consultation is that libraries should be run by professional staff on a not for profit basis funded by the public sector. The present costs of the service as set out in the consultation seem good value for money at a time when many people will find themselves out of work and needing access to free I.T., information and leisure reading. We are therefore opposed to these proposals which are ill founded and unfair to those for whom the library service is an enhancement of their quality of life.

I would rather the library which has had a lot of money spent on it was kept open. Maybe for less time. Sell local produce. I think it's a start but more people should take the survey to contribute to the ideas raised Somewhat concerned about the prospect of being privatised, or taken over by a council outside Suffolk. I have used Newmarket library for some considerable amount of time since 1984. A charge should be made for computers as they are expensive to maintian, buy and repair. I would be willing to pay a small charge to borrow books. I think libraries are important and shouldn't be lost. Closing libraries is damaging children's learning at home. Not much - you have put too much emphasis on getting rid of the responsibilty for the costs and not enough on the solutions. Insane. But the I think the whole NSD is crazy dogmatic and ideologically driven. It predates the Gen Election and is simply using the defecit as a justification - not as a reason. Bad if it results in Bungay library closing. County libraries should bear some of the cuts - not just community libraries. The library service needs to be provided as explained from the town level upwards. The inter-library service where books can be ordered from accross the county seems a sensible development - is this very costly, or indeed could this development be used to reduce costs in individual libraries? Not though through impact - Bungay has areas of deprivation they are not sizeable but do exist. There needs to be a library in Bungay still. This is anything but a consultation - it is not balanced and these questions attempt from the outset to get the answer the County Council wants. When the love of reading and learning is placed as a secondary importance to the current economic crisis in this country - it has consequences that future generations will not be so inquiring in their minds ti aquire knowledge. Appalling - libraries should remain a service for everyone to use and continue to be Council run. I know that cuts have to be made somewhere, but libraries are a crucial commodity, providing free reading material for all. Not everyone can afford to buy books - nor have the space for them. Reading is fundamental to academic acheivement, whatever the employment choice. Librarie provide an important role in this. Not interested... find ways of protecting front line services. Maybe the management/leadership structure could be streamlined and more efficient?

I understand the cuts are necessary but feel libraries are too important to lose. The art of the written word should not be lost especially with the young - who already showing lower reading/writing skills than previous generations. . so long your proposals meet the criterai of provision of services by proferssional staff - then it is ok otherwise not. . In my opinion - you should not be on indefensive position. If we are short of money or funds for providing an efficient library service - then raise it by county/parish/borough rates - rather than close existing libraries. These plans are fundamentally wrong for many reasons, and this consultation is a slap in the face to any library user who genuinely wants to improve their library without using it to force through profits and service cuts. This is why: 1. WE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO FUND OUR OWN LIBRARIES. This is why we pay taxes. Libraries should, for many reasons, not be profit-orientated. They belong to the public and they need to stay that way. If the council really understands how important libraries are, in their current form, it won't be "divesting" them. 2. The proposals are on shaky ground regarding the Public Libraries and Museums Act of 1964. The "divested" library service will be left open to corporate vultures, especially since the consultation at present offers nothing more binding than "guidelines" on how to run a library service as opposed to a legally binding contract being drawn up. Where is our say in that? See here for a legal case against council divestments in Gloucestershire: http://www.publicinterestlawyers.co.uk/news_details.php?id=52 3. There is currently an amendment to the above Public Libraries and Museums Act which is in its early stages: http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2010-11/publiclibrariesandmuseumsact1964amendment.html (column 882). If libraries in Suffolk are sold off before this bill receives royal assent it could mean backtracking and even more damage later on. Even without royal assent it is likely to deter companies and charities from taking on such a risk. 4. There have been discussions - particularly at the Rosehill meeting in March - about the costs of running a library. If local communities cannot foot the bill to run and maintain them in their current state (which is highly likely), the consquence WILL be a cut back underfunded service that falls far below the "comprehensive and efficient" requirement of the 1964 Act. It will be the start of a downward spiral crippling the service and it will never be the same again. 5. Libraries are too important to gamble with like business assets. They are much, much more than that, and the divestment is a betrayal of all those who have used them and worked in them for years, built them up to what they now are, and whose lives have been changed and shaped by them. For all this hard work and investment to be passed on to the third sector is demeaning; for it to be passed on to the private sector is disgusting. 6. Library closures are not acceptable: there are alternatives to these cuts. Libraries are a safe haven for many deprived communities, truly enabling people to change and aspire to do many things with their lives. They give people pride through the access to knowledge, skills, resources and means to build futures for themselves. Libraries also link to other important services and organisations and are the first port of call when you want to find out local information that cannot always be gained from the internet. What they provide is priceless. If libraries close, all this will go. Literacy and other skills will decrease, along with people's aspirations and pride in their area. It doesn't take a genius to work out that the wider implications of this are potentially huge for lots of people, let alone the ethical implications of "divesting" the most vulnerable people of such a resource. 7. THERE ARE ALTERNATIVES. Reduce beaurocratic running costs. Cut the ridiculously high wage packets of senior councillors. Stop cheating us by employing private consultants on high wages to decide whose jobs and services will go. Contest central government funding cuts and campaign for higher taxes on the rich. WE WILL FIGHT FOR OUR LIBRARIES. Definition of DIVEST transitive verb 1 a : to deprive or dispossess especially of property, authority, or title b : to undress or strip especially of clothing, ornament, or equipment c : rid, free 2 : To take away from a person divestment \- ves(t)-m nt\ noun from Merriam-Webster online: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divestment

Will any of the plans for the library service change as a result of this 'consultation'? Have other ways to reduce costs other than closing libraries been discussed or even thought about - such as, reducing opening hours (Newmarket Library never used to open on Sundays for example), charging for some services, selling things like coffee or cards to raise funds? I don't feel it is necessary to close any library. It is a public service, and as such should be run by the council. Don't just look at the cost of the library service - look at the VALUE of it. . It is a very good effort to involve the general public in the consultation. . It is bit difficult for the ordinary people to understand and take part in the survey. . It will be more helpful if there is anyway to understand the advantages and disadvantages of giving the libraries to other agencies. Rather worrying - see attached letter Like many users I am far from happy with your whole library strategy to suggest that the library service can be cut by as much as 30% without it resulting in branch closures, reduced opening hours or less stock, is not believeable Commercial concerns are not going to be interested in running a free library service - there is no profit in it for them voluntary organisations and charities, however willing they may be, simply do not have the expertise Librarianship is a skilled profession - they even award university degrees in it. The Suffolk library service is too important to be left to well-meaning amatuers The whole idea makes about as much sense as getting volunteers to run the schools, police stations or fire service Suffolk has an excellent county library service - please think very carefully before you do anything that ruins it. If you want any ideas to save money, why not invite people to donate their old or unwanted books to the library service? How many people gave away good quality books - when moving or clearing a house, for example - to a charity shop or even dump them in a skip because they are unaware their local library would accept them? All libraries should have notices telling people how they can donate their books. I think you would get a good response to any such appeal. Please keep Stowmarket going. Wonderful library. Ditto staff. Great selection of Book ********* I am a user of Needham Market Library and also a member of Needham Market W.I. The library, if closed, will be greatly missed by all ages. It is very sad that SCC should consider reducing funding for the library service. Libraries are an integral and essential element of an intelligent and forward-looking society. I think they are bad and illegal, and I don't like the way you have only gone to public consultation after you have already made up your minds, so this is a paper exercise only! Prove me wrong! To be blunt - they are based on idealogical, financial reasons, rather than community needs. The libraries are part of "The Big Society". Sharing of premesis seems a good idea and would defray costs. I am not for any "privatisation" - I am not convinced re: the services already "hived off" or in the pipeline for such. I think it is dreadful every one should have the access to reading material whether books ,speaking books and all the other services they provide. With the government constantly trying to improve the reading, writing etc of our young children , removing access to books will only hinder this considerably and bring us back to having more illiterate people. I don't like the fact that the library I go to might be closed as I do not drive and can not get to any other library Very sad because the library service seemed to be flourishing, as did reading, and if the council is not careful they will move reading back into the dark ages because they claim it is too expensive a service to provide. This should be considered a key service and one that is top of the list otherwise the county and country will suffer in levels of literacy, education and development. The existing service is brilliant and should remain the same. Our children and the whole community deserve a professionally-run, locally-accessed service. Not in favour. Suggest cuts in salary and expenses of top executives at Suffolk County Council. I am disgusted that Suffolk County Council no longer wants to run library services. Crazy. We need our libraries now more than ever. We shouldn't even need to defend them, this should be obvious!

They do not serve the local community or those who elected the council I think it is a big mistake to withdraw library services in the current climate.With less money to spend on extras people are going to need a source of books etc & cheap internet access. When my children were small I couldn't possibly purchase all the books they got through, particulary at pre school and early reader stage and the library was a vital resource in encouraging them to read and enjoy books. Good, should not be close as it very handy to (for) all ages. good shouldnt be closed as is a place for all ages to go It has been good effort to involve public in then consultation process. Good The library service should be left as it is ONE CAN SEE THAT THE GOVERNMENTS ACTION HAS PROMPTED THE COUNCIL TO CLOSELY EXAMINE AN IMPORTANT PUBLIC SERVICE - THE PROPOSALS MAKE SOUND SENSE, A SHAME THAT IT HASN'T BEEN DONE EARLIER. If they'll save the 'core' services of libraries, good for you! They have not been thought through at all. The proposed divesments will have a devestating effect on libraries and they will all close in due course. What a sad legacy Suffolk County Council has left our younger generation. Very sad to see small libraries close. Could not all libraries have restricted hours to allow community libs to open some of the time. Very doubtful. Many other county councils, including neighbouring Essex and Norfolk seem not to be reducing their library services, although some other country councils are. Suffolk County Council is in my view a less reliable and sensible organisation than it once was. It is no long democratic, as control under the cabinet system is held by only a few elected councillors. Vast - and totally unacceptable - amounts of money are still wantonly wasted at top managerial level, including expensive 'training courses' and 'conferences'. That is where cuts should be made, NOT at the level of usage, such as the libraries. Too vague to form an opinion. Adequate staff is needed as in Q.1. Detail is not expressed. See response to Q.3. on outside interests. I AM ASHAMED THAT SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL EVEN CONSIDERS CLOSING ITS LIBRARIES. I AM ASHAMED THAT ENGLAND (AND NOT A POOR COUNTRY) SHOULD CONSIDER REDUCING ESSENTIAL AMENITIES FOR THE HOME OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE Vague, threatening, they underestimate the importance of local libraries and their contribution to this community. It is a great shame that small towns are being deprived of their libraries. They offer the community many services that, if they closed, will be denied (continued on back page) to the most vulnerable in our communities, the elderley and the young. Even if the smaller libraries do survive many of the essesntial services would be lost if taken over by private companies. Libraries such as Bungay particularly, provide an essential community resource. Users do not all have transport to go to towns whose libraries are being spared and public transport is not convenient to all or accessible because of cost. Please listen to the people of Suffolk and work at the ways of saving money by thinking about shorter opening hours or sharing space with other services. For example Beccles is a market town with a very small Post office in the back of a shop - could the large space at Beccles library be used to house the Post office? This would I am sure be much more convenient to many Beccles residents. You have not given the option for the status quo in your 'consultation' but Suffolk people deserve to keep all of their excellent library services in all areas. I disagree with a flat rate 30% cut. The County Counci8l should continue to run the whole library service & find savings elsewhere. STRONGLY FEEL THAT ALL LIBRARIES SHOULD CONTINUE UNDER COUNCIL FUNDING TO PROVIDE ALL SERVICES. Overall the proposals are unimaginative and lack an understanding of the importance of libraries and

especially the smaller libraries. I understand the problems, but am very concerned about our local library. It is used not just as a library, but also for mothers and babies to get together, for the pupils of the school, and it has been invaluable to myself with small children and I dont want to get a bus into town just to go to the library. It provides a good afternoon out with my children in the holidays where we can read together and borrow books, and it is next to the sports centre, so we can combine activities with the sports centre. Maidenhall may not be the most affluent area, but the facilities here are really good, and it would be a huge loss to our community if this wasnt available. I would like to see the local primary schools using the library more as well, and really get our local children interested in using our local facilities. The staff are very friendly and helpful, and its also good for the children to get internet access as well if they dont have it at home. I am shocked that closure is even considered of such a vital community service. Started to read it but lost the will to live, seemed like a load of wishy washy impractical nonesense Not workable. It is a vital service to the community and providing resources for that population to use. Most who cannot afford to buy books.Improving the mind by reading surly is a valid pastime and needs to be encoraged, not limited by lack of facillities. I approve of more community involvement in having input in how our services are run, but we already have an efficient service and managers and staff in Suffolk libraries have worked hard to create an efficient library service. Once this service has been dismantled and reduced it will never be reinstated. As a member of Libraries, Archives and Information Staff I feel very sad that the service I have felt so proud to be a part of, over twenty years is about to be fragmented and the network that we have all strived to maintain so successfully will be no longer. I know this is felt keenly by so many staff and users throughout Suffolk and feel that savings could have been made in other ways without divesting in this abrupt and headlong manner. I think libaries should be one of the last things to be cut. Keep the county libraries - essential for the community in rural areas - especially Stowmarket. Buying books or accessing through the computer is not an option for me It will disenfranchise the most vulnerable Too hasty and not very well thought out. Please listen and take on board suggestions from library users I think they are disgraceful. It;s the proposal of a chief executive who wants to get her name known for controversial decisions which will not benefit the readers of Suffolk. When there are no services left to outsource then at least the CE can resign as there will be no need for a CE as there will be no county-provided service. Is thi san efficiwncy saving? You should know that htis woman applied for a similar post at Cambridgeshire CC but wasturned down as not good enough - so Suffolk now suffers under her absurb ideas. Extremely short sighted and narrow minded See above - incorporated into point 6 As I have said DISGRACEFUL. You are neglecting your duties to the community and I question whether you are failing in your statutory duties to the electorate. I think it is a shame that they have to be looking at divesting the service at all as it is a worth while servive that is used by the whole community. Poor There may be less items for use books, computers and support. People will lose their jobs which will be a waste of knowledgable people. i think it is a good idea for the public to donate books to the library - I am an avid reader and at the moment i give my books to charity shops when i have finished with them It seems that the outcome has already been decided. none to close unless alternative are in place

Not in favour, suggest cuts in salary and expenses of top executives as Suffolk County Council. Why have you made the consultation document so difficult for the general public to understand? Quite candidly, not a lot. Not worried who delivers the service as long as they don't disappear. Prepared to contribute a small fee for book lending. - very sad to see such a fantastic service under threat, with such a brusque attitude from the council (take this on yourselves -in the next few weeks- or we'll shut it.) - welcome the openess to greater involvement by the community, but the lack or tim I appreciate that money has to be saved and that new an innovative ways to run libraries need to be found. I have no 'big idea' of my own but will get involved with anything that happens at Stoke Libary in Ipswich and the Willows Children's Centre, as much as I am able. I have noticed that the Willows Children's Centre is not in the list of proposed community libraries, and wonder if this means that the library facility there will cease. It does not seem well used to me (although I use it), but at the same time it seems such a good idea to integrate library services into an existing children's centre. It seems to me that much more could be done by the management of the children's centre to publicise the library to people who already use the centre. It is in a fairly deprived area and many families may come to it who may never go near another library. The opportunities there seem great, and they seem to fit with proposals in the consultation, to have several services based in one place in order to save money. Likewise, Stoke Library already combines public library with school library and this seems to work very well. The bookstart sessions are very well run and very well attended, with a lot of books being read and borrowed by the children attending. I did not vote for you to remove any local library services. My suggestion is that you continue to provide the service and look to other areas for cost-cutting, such as salaries over 50,000pa. As a percentage of overall spend, the library costs do not appear to be a good opportunity for costreduction, but the figures you have provided are not clear enough to gauge this accurately - which leads me to suspect you have not assessed this idea sufficiently before pushing it to this stage. You are elected representatives and are acting without the majority's consent. I believe that if savings have to be found from within the library system it can be achieved by retaining all libraries and spreading the cuts across them all. I.e. reducing opening hours for all libraries throughout the county, rather than removing entire libraries from direct Council control. We may have to consider asking for payments for loans rather than being completely free. A amjor competitor is Amazon, who certainly charge handsomely Consulatation needed hence replying and contributing herein Your overall proposals are rediculous - you are not 'moving forward', only backwards. Our Libraries should continue to be run and invested in by Suffolk County Council! like the idea of keep county get rid of community - as said why spend on the rich? They are punitive. I think it is so sad to see so many libraries threatened with closure. I am 89 years old and cannot imagine a town without a library I feel that the library service is integral to any community and efforts shoiuild be made to keep as many libraries open as possible by making them more accessable to the local community. I would like the library service to remain as it is. It may be appropriate to rent out the premises so courses or classes could be run in the evening, this generating income. This could be for the use of educational, social or community based groups. The prospect of closing 29 local libraries is grim. As a university student, libraries have been incredibly valuable to me, not only in recent years but also as a child. Without the use of the library when i was young, which i used on an extremely regular basis, i doubt i would have even made it to university. Reading is imperative for expanding the minds and imaginations of the very young, and for those without rich parents to buy their books for them the idea of libraries being run by private companies charging for people to use the facilities is outrageous.

I dont agree with it because i think that its a service that benefits a lot of people and perhaps you should be looking at changing the way the library service is publicised to the public, maybe some people dont know whats available, a survey would be a good idea to see exactly what people want in the library then maybe it would get even more use Appauling - without the library i wouldnt have internet access which i need for job hunting, i think its bad that you want to close the library Regrettable - what happened to the idea of the library as the "hub of the local community"? or libraries as an access point to other council services? This is totally driven by wrong priorities at the heart of government for which the coalition has no mandate. I fail to understand why we are willing to accept a lower level of service than that provided in harder times - GDP was in a much worse state in 1945 than it is now, and there was enough committment then to improve society. Why do we want less for our families than our parents did? I for one, do not. I am very concerned & do not consider the Council has a mandate for them. Rubbish. You will erode years of work by PROFESSIONALS who have built up the Public Library service, responding to government agendas and the wishes of the public about what they want to see in their lending Libraries - books, journals, DVDs CDs, content in a variety of media and a multitude of reading levels along with a raft of related activities with an ever-reducing budget at GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY. Professional Library staff who have the aptitude and open mind-set spend at least 3 years at undergraduate level learning how to do this careful balancing act with often years of valuable experience will be replaced by "interested parties" with no experience, possibly dubious hidden agendas and no financial incentive to provide more than a patchy inconsistent service - I THINK NOT!!!! I am concerned about young Information Professionals who are coming out of University being totally demoralized about the devaluing of their expensive, hard-earned degrees. If groups and individuals interested in running Libraries who have the time and money to keep themselves independently of FT paid work, why on earth have they not come forward already? Lastly, I fear for the erosion of a fair consistent service across the whole county where children growing up in Brandon and in Lavenham have equal access to a high quality free library service offering the same level of provision to give them the start in life they need. Appalling...it is the councils remit to run the libraries, not put it out to other organisations who have neither the resources, or experience to run them...it is your job...I refer again to the 1964 Libraries Act I understand that changes need to be made to make these 30% savings and to reduce the council spending, but it has always been my feeling that libraries are an easy target, and that in reality a great deal of effort seems to have gone into divesting a service, which in all probability makes up around 1% of the entire Council budget. It would be a real shame to see a service of which the County Council can be so proud, broken up and separated out, even if SPINE does manage to hold the whole system together. On the other hand, to finish on a positive note, it would be a wonderful opportunity for the libraries to have an opportunity to work more closely with their local community and to develop a service of which that community is proud. This form has been difficult to complete as I do not agree with your proposals, and there is a 'bribery' atitude of 'if you don't come up with anything yourselves we will close all the libraries anyway'. So what is the reasoning behind this consultation? I don't think it will make any difference whatsoever. I think the form of the consultation is very unfair because it virtually says, "If you don't volunteer to run community libraries yourself, they should all be closed". I don't have any ability to run a library and, even though I'm retired, I don't have time. Libraries should be run by professionals. If you are looking for volunteers I would be willing to do some unpaid work I think whatever the proposals the salaries of the chief executives and their remit should be examined very closely. I understand there need to be cuts but am not sure you can justify such a huge salary when asking for libraries to come up with alternative administration or be axed. Terrible

they should not be closed as they are a meeting place for clubs You cannot run library service without qualified Librarians and the expertise they bring. Very wary about "private organisations" taking over the service. Does not work on altruistic level. Will forge profit (at expense of qulaity) for new providers. I strongly believe the service to be central to a civilised society for which local authorities should provide core services for the benefit of all. Some proposals may work. Others will not. ie running free internet access within a pub. libraries accessability within a school. Disagree strongly - not eveyone can drive or get to main County Libraries and they could never offer the same services. I just wish you would get on and do a proper professional job. Shocking and retrograde. You know that these cuts don't have to be made and you know that the cuts will affect the less-well off disproportionately. I would like the current level of service to continue. Judy Terry's paper is excellent, and her ideas make a lot of sense for communities which are capable of delivering a professional service, but it doesn't consider the mid-way option between full-on service as now, and total closure. There has to be a compromise - other counties have managed. Not very happy to think we may loose our libraries. I don t think members of the public will want to have a CRB check to volunteer at libraries. Not sure I think Eye should remain as a community asset within its immediate area. That way you would get more volunteers. I do not think a CIC is the right organisation for a library in a relatively small area. It is too remote and a local library should be more than a place delivering better outside services. All local libraries have their own personality and atmosphere largely a result of locals feeling part of each one. Eye is small enough for this to be an important factor. Very short sighted. I believe to reduce the role of libaries is a retrograde step at a time when literatecy standards are so low and we are striving to get a better educated workforce. Though perhaps you do not see that as part of your role. they shouldnt close because they help with homework and stuff I am worried that in future there will be too much emphasis on libries making profit and this could lead to closesures that mean people lose the library services entirally. Volenteers maybe helpful but will not be able to provide as well rounded service as currently available. You do need people who have a good knowledge of the whole library service. I don't agrre with them it affects people who don't have the internet at home and the older and youger generations particually There is a danger that we will lose the libray if this happens. Could not find these details but have been told there is a likelihood of outsourcing. Do not agree with this. What about the Seminar room above Hadleigh Library? Woulod the various clubs still be able to use this at a reasonable rate? not acceptable, as the library service is crucial for the town I find cuts of 30% incredibly sad. Libraries provide a great access to additional education, entertainment and sense of community, and any reduction will be to the detriment of future generations, at a time when our children should be encouraged to learn more, read more and get out and socialise more. To paraphrase Heine, any society which is prepared to burn books - or metaphorically destroy public access to such texts - will be far more likely to burn people. And Suffolk County Council's cavalier disregard for its residents' basic need for all those services which libraries can provide suggests to me that the people of Suffolk are being consigned to the intellectual bonfire in the name of political

ideology. The precedents for such actions are hardly encouraging, and it is generally totalitarian regimes which have been most anxious to destroy their people's access to literature.

Poorly thought out Leave it alone, some things cant be reduced (30%) any further without "damage" As a council tax payer I do expect a library. I was born in 1939 and from the age of 11 I started to use a boaring school library, and have used libraries all my life and I dont want to lose it now. I think it will be the end of libraries as we know them and leave a large gaping hole in communities. I agree that libraries are a luxury in comparison with front line services. The council should be representing the people of suffolk, I feel that people want to keep their libraries. I want the library to be run by the council as it is. It is used by loads of people. The staff are really helpful & know lots when I ask them questions. I have been using the library since I was a baby & have been to lots of the baby groups, music groups & craft activities. I think if you stop running it I will not get the chance to read & learn things & have less fun. I like the library staff working in the library. They help us find books. I would like the library to stay how it is. I think the library should be kept open. It is a very important part of the village of Clare. It would mean getting in the car whenever we wished to visit the library. Clare serves many of the surrounding villages, it would be an outrage if it were to close. I think it would be detrimental to our community if we move away from the way the service is currently provided therefore I say keep the library running as efficiently as it is, in the way that it is. Suffolk CC should remain control and management, could seek sponsers to help finance Libraries should be government run, libraries are too important to rely on volunteers I dont want to see the library close, Newmarket is a town and needs its library to stay open Dire!!! Libraries are an essential part of education to all ages. This is a lack of prioritisation by Suffolk County Council to its council tax payers. I dont think it is a good idea, i think it should stay run by the council I vist regulary and wouldnt want to see it go Every town needs a library as it is used by everyone Its outrageous Limited, appearing to rely on responses from the community most of which is unaware of the existence of this consultation exercise. ALL COMMUNITY LIBRARIES SHOULD REMAIN AS THEY ARE. THE SAVINGS S.C.C. IS MAKING BY AXING THESE VITAL SERVICES IS PEANUTS - NOT WELL THOUGHT OUT AT ALL. The Library service provids a vital educational, social and informational service to local communities where and when it is required. Little else, other than refuse collection, the council provides can have that said of it. Eye Library is too small at present and is a vital service, and we want it to remain on this site. Cuts could be made by shortening the opening hours and reducing provision of costly newspapers & magazines. Not thought out sufficiently, given the highly paid councillors, they can surely earn some of their salary on this one. Cut top salaries at S.C.C. The proposals are short-term and short-sighted. They will deprive many older people, who are unable to travel, of the pleasure of reading and meeting like minded people. The library is one of the centres of the community. I'm really stuggling to be polite here, but essentially they are a public utility which you have no right

or business to destroy or dispose of. Disappointing. The library service is a vital part of every community, and to shut or reduce these services or hope volunteers can run it is not feasible. Appalling - why pick on libraries when there is a whole raft of ineffective middle and senior management wasting more than enough money to run the libraries starting with the chief executive. It is possible that you may have a responsibility to deliver a service under the DDA - the present library does this. ITS A BAD IDEA Not appropriate. Not forward thinking, narrow minded, not very business minded. Income could be generated by letting out space, charging and selling local goods. I want to walk to my library. I don't want the small local librarys to close. We don't all want to have to drive or get a bus to the library to get our books. I dont want to see newmarket library close Libray closures is going to create more unemployment, there would not be such a good service if it were run by volunteers I think it is extremely short sighted to cut a service in this way because of short/medium term financial problems- once gone we will never get them back Woodbridge is the focus for all residents from a wide area of coastal villages in Suffolk as well as those residents in Melton, Ufford and Woodbridge I don't like them. I want to pay enough council tax to pay for a decent library. The current level of services serves the whole community Any reduction is service is appalling- we should be expanding the service I think the current level of services should be maintained as fully as possible. I am appalled that these cuts are so savage and that Suffolk Council is prepared to accept no responsibility for future generations. No other county is planning such sweeping immediate changes without very careful discussion and consultation. Is Suffolk to become a backward county? Libraries need strong imaginative leadership from well qualified staff- volunteers can only support. Many families will be struggling to buy books at present therefore libraries become more important not less for the whole county Dreadful- we need to encourage people to read and learn. I have seen young people seeking employment using the books and computers to help them apply for jobs. All civilisations have had and valued librarys we should continue to do so I think library services should be run by the county council and should be funded from the council tax Destructive Disappointing. Do not feel that the proposals have given enough scope to assessing the scope of need and in particular an Equalities Impact Assessment. Do not feel that the proposals show any commitment to rural communities and whilst the mobile library can be expanded to replace community libraries they are limited by means of space and technology. My 6 month old son and I love to come to baby bounce to sing and play. We would both be very sad if the library were to close The library is of great benefit to myself and my children, we regularly attend groups and they play a big part of my childrens development. The staff are extremenly helpful and friendly and it would be a huge loss to the community if the library was no longer run by the council. I could see how volunteers could run a library - surely one needs a a certain type of qualification. Will training be given? LETS MOVE IT FORWARD AND EXPAND THE USEAGE AND SERVICES A LIBRARY OFFERS Naive Solution: Cancel all mobile libraries Reduce County Libraries to 40 hrs pw Reduce County

Libraries home Increase costs of using Internet Access I would very much like to see the services we have to remain the same, but if not, other options to hopefully be put in place. Rubbish! Libraries have been a part of British life for decades. Once they have gone they will not come back & being run privately will not last. Good. If the council has its way we will lose a valuable service. Disgusted. The destruction of our local library service is absolutely awful. We already live in a place with very restricted public transport & no public sports facilities. Suffolk has a problem with low expectations of its young people in schools and concerns over their performance. Why are we considering reducing the availability and access to books and educational materials & expertise in our communities. I would consider the libraries being taken over by the dept of Education & coming under the education budget. We need to raise the intellectual levels in our community not reduce them by making this a drop off & pick up service for paperback novels. We & the young people of this community deserve access to a librarian and the services of wider libraries that are accessible with that guidance & help & role modelling. Why are we/they being disadvantaged over young people/ people living in larger places which/who already have access to other facilities & better transport. We have no high schools, no sports facilities & now seemingly no library. I am very concerned the town will gradually turn into a theme park for tourists. You haven't convinced continuing present service as I suggest. ie reducing but maintaining it. Discraceful. You are destroying one of the things that this country should be most proud of. You should all hang your heads in shame. Not very helpful. It is unfortunately a political decision to reduce front line staff rather than the managements costs, where cuts would scarcely be noticed by most people. Poorly thought out - cut back on the council itself, look elsewhere for savings. There's a legal obligation to provide libraries & to have trained staff isn't there. See above 6. Again, given the difficulties, good ideas but, again, non-library staff at HQ would be even more useful in earning money. We appreciate that cuts have to be made - a reduction in overall opening times across the whole area - as with police stations, etc - along with some sort of external input (local schools, perhaps assisting with staffing/sharing buildings?) would seem to be a feasible idea. I doubt that trying to get other local enterprises involved may be difficult - even shopkeepers/pub landlords/local businesses are suffering financially, too. I don't agree with the proposals. See (4) above Libraries should continue with cuts elswhere. If cuts are inevitable help should be given to help a local group take over. Please re-think no. of closures. Libraries are a vital community asset, built up over many years with great professionalism and greatly used also by non-subscribed members. People are already overstrained by offering vol. help in many other areas. Extremely poor the local council should have consulted prior to deciding to offer services to others and upon the extent of proposed cuts, It should retain the responsibility for overall provision to ensure that a cohesive service is available to all. It is important that the principal of being able to source books centrally and move them between all libraries is retained. I think every community no matter how small, should & must have their own library. I've noticed how much my grandson reads, now he's got his own card. Surely thats better than television I dislike seeing the propagation of information by society being reduced merely because of a global economic crises. One of the best forms of investment for a society is education, and the library

service is a part of this. Angry about the threat to our library --it's a lifeline to many people here and very much an essential part of the community with its various activities and provision of information about other activities and services in the community. What will happen to the service for housebound readers --already run mainly by volunteers ? Southwold has a great tradition of volunteering but I feel the resources are already stretched between the Museum, St Edmunds Church, Voluntary Help Centre , Red Cross, charity shops and stalls etc ----where will the new volunteers be found??? SAVE THE LIBRARY I am completely opposed to the principal of divesting services (education,by default, libraries)and cutting funding for services such as rural transport because I believe it will result in inequalities for isolated rural communities and restrict the cultural and educational opportunities and support particularly for young people and elderly people. A great shame to take away such a happy friendly meeting place for all, from small children to a relaxing environment for elderly, and people with learning difficulties. It would be a shame if libraries had to close as they all appear to be quite well used per head of population within the area. There must be other ways of running libraries that would reduce costs. I would worry if a private company took over as they might put profit before anything else and this may have an effect on the library service. Diabolical. The examples from North Yorks are especially wretched. I cannot read if there is a din going on in the room at the time as I am there. the idea of outsourcing is particularly bad because of the risks of bankruptcy and the possible insufficient expertise and competance of those involved. The way to fund the libraries would be to cancel schemes like the ridiculous plan to demolish two very adequate bus stations, in a situation in which there is clearly going to a reduction in bus services in the future. I am appalled. County Councils should bear all the responsibility of providing a full library service to their community They will help our country to slip back into an era of ill-educated people. I think its completely wrong to say you'll support some but not others. If you are looking for business support,shared premises and community groups etc to reduce the budget they can do this just as well in the larger towns as the small ones. It seems that although there is to be a 30% saving in costs there will be 100% cuts to the proposed Community Libraries. The old and the young - main users of the library - will not be able to have access to a library as distance and transport will prevent this. Affluent communities are being penalised. SAY NO As usual, I do not think this has been thought through. We are quite disgusted at the constant down-grading of our beautiful town & it's facilities. People move to Clare, enjoy living in Clare & taking part in the community, because it has all the essential amenities here. We still have a community spirit; people still gather on the market square on News Year Eve, we are planning a Tea Party for the Royal Wedding, we respect & thrive on what our home has to offer. Without disrespect, we suspect some people in the County library communities do not even know who their neighbours are? Largely sound but is enough being done to proactively engage the community affairs sections of some of the major businesses in the county? Scandelous - its a public facility and should not be farmed out to other organisations We are against the whole move towards digital media. We like to actually read proper books, we are unable to use the internet. We would not have a clue. We are disgusted with the cuts being made, these are the services that we rely on especially as we of the older generation (80 years old). We are also worried that due to the bus routes being shortened we will no where to go. This whole things is

very distressing for us.

Not a lot. i think that the one thing that shouldn't be cut back are the libraries, so many people depend on them and would be lost without them. Not good They should be scrapped. I strongly disagree with the divestment of services and even more so with proposed closures if the communtiy does not come forward because the alternative to Mildenhall Library would be a round trip journey of 20 miles to Bury St Edmunds and 16 to Newmarket. I would like to see the council provide library services, however if this is not possible then a community group etc. could take them on Sadly the plan is predicated on political ideology and not the needs of the people of Suffolk. To downgrade the library service in any way is cultural vandalism and must be reststed. Public education and culture is under attack and rather than reduce the service we should be asking how to increase it and how to offset the costs of this by some more commercial means. Beyond my expectation Too radical unthinkable!! this is going backwards in time and not moving forward as a society. we must encourage our children to read as it opens up so many avenues of interest/study, or their will be a terrible knock-on effect in our society in twenty years time. the cuts cannot be made to libraries, taking away such valuable resources from our young children, they must be made regarding the lessdeserving members of society who have had their chances and ruined them. I do not believe that taking the running of libraries away from the professionals is the right idea. Considerable sums of money can be obtained by other means. I am happy to discuss this with you. I think our Library service (Felixstowe) is amazing and remain the same as much as possible. The library service is good and the council should continue to provide libraries, if they are taken over then the same level of service should be provided I dont want the library to close, Newmarket library is well used and needed When i need help the library is a place that i go to, i have been using Newmarket library for 7 years I think you are wrong, i think the library should stay open, my children and myself use the library so much we dont want it to close, also at weekends there is no where to go in Newmarket, my children enjoy comming to the library I dont think much of it if it means closing down libraries I visit Newmarket library once a week as I have a disability and am not able to visit more often. I dont want anything to change I want the council to take responsibility for the libraries. I think is not very good they sholud make the cut sum where elc The library service needs to remain intact as it is at present. (What do you think about the library service?) Excellent, staff very helpful to all ages for finding of books The internet service is invaluable for out of work people, and students have enough problems obtaining books so cutbacks are damaging our prospects as an educated society in the futer internationally and in the UK. Libraries are part of our heritage and their removal for commercial gain cannot be justified. If we want to retain them, why not increase charges (modest) on the council tax I think it is an attack on children who love to read and use their imaginations. It will take a great deal of work I thought this paper would put people off

Are you going to contract services out to your rich mates in the private sector at all? For the community. To bring the community together. I think all libraries should remain open and accessable to the whole community. It is essential especially for children that they can access books and the other services provided. Overall a good idea. We could combine with businesses or perhaps the job centre, or post office or bakery I do not think libraries ought to be shut. Perhaps money could be saved from the salaries of the higher echelon of the council! Discussions with private American Company should be transparent. What will they receive from tax payer in return for what improved services. Their website relates only to America and has worthy service bullet points but no how, how much, or what actions produce what outcomes. I believe the library service should be kept with an eye on future prosperity when the service can flourish again, or do we really think that our economy will never recover. An impoverished society would give greater reason to keep libraries in public ownership. Accountancy should not be the only criteria for good housekeeping. All community libraries should be kept open As I see it, I've got an overall library service at Hadleigh and I consider (?) the computer facilities are adequate. Why change that it's FIRST CLASS AS IT IS?? Libraries don t generate any revenue, so in straightened times they need to either a) generate revenue: ways to do this include: i) subscriptions (in straightened times) ii) increasing the business side - greetings cards, gifts, your suggestion of post office, bank, or caf, farm shop iii) inviting in a franchise. The big department stores have done this with success. Suggestions: WH Smith, Thingmebobs, those above, Game On (see below). iv) The reverse and become part of a store which attracts a lot of footfall eg supermarkets, doctors surgeries but parking is important: books are heavy. b) make sweeping cuts (unthinkable) Game On In Saffron Walden, (unfortunately) a couple of streets away from the library, there is a shop called Game on . It sells computer games and systems (X boxes etc) and is staffed by a few extremely well informed and helpful young people. Operates a loyalty discount scheme. It also hosts weekend workshops for youngish children whose parents are too busy: older geeks help the younger children paint their (eg Warhammer) characters, talk about the game etc. The flower/card/gift shop opposite benefits no end from visits from parents waiting to collect their children from Game on . If libraries incorporated this sort of company, maybe on a franchise type of basis, and offered these type of workshops, teenagers could be recruited via the local schools to volunteer. They would need training and supervision, but it would give them something useful to do after school, at weekends and in the holidays. It would fullfil a useful role giving them some work experience and a reference. You need specialised people running the library, good filing skills, sense or order, source of knowledge and reliability. You cant just have anyone off the street running a library I appreciate the search for cost-cutting. (We're all doing it). However, there is great danger in bringing in other organisations like businesses who'll have no previous cultural experience to run the library. Economic necessity will necessarily dictate their thinking, and its cannot be wise. I'm concerned that we have both a primary and a high school in the village whose children will not have access to reading matter either after school hours or during the long holidays. The library is much needed by the children, and well used by them, and their parents. The internet service is also well used. I have seen teenagers, people who I know are out of work, immigrant workers, older people with no internet at home. Note that the Inland Revenue, and they're not the only ones, are saying officially that if you haven't got a computer to fill in the Tax Return online, go to the library! Closing Stradbroke Library, and Eye Library which I also use from time to time, is unthinkable. Disapprove of your proposals to reduce library services. It is important to keep the service going and savings can be made by reduced administration. SCC has a duty to provide the services for the

benefit of the whole community. Villages like ours will have difficulty in providing the finances and volunteers in the long term. I hope the library will continue to run, perhaps with shorter hours, less days open. The library was built especially for the purpose and is used by many people. RUBBISH SCC SHOULD CONTINUE TO RUN THE LIBRARIES. WE ARE PAYING YOU TO DO THIS THROUGH OUR LOCAL TAXES. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY! I don't like the idea of post office/banking services unless it's replacing an already closed one The voluntary sector is already stretched and declining, and to expect the proposed library shortfall to be filled by volunteers satisfactorily is wishful thinking. To lose a library is to take the heart out of a community. Please think again. Realiability issues with volunteers and meeting training demands of volunteers where core staff would be easier to keep up to date with the changing face of the library service. I feel shocked and disappointed that such an important service is possibly going to be stopped. I use our library regularly and is an integral part of the village and of village life. Largely unavoidable in current financial climate In a 3 year cycle, year 1 should be used to reduce central overheads etc and for local council's to be given a detailed breakdown of their library costs In year 2. - To enable meaningful discussions. A local levy on the Parish Council rates should be examined. Remain the same Unless local communities are able to organise support, it will end up as an online service run by a contractor offering the lowest tender to provide the service. Inadequate - Rural areas suffer again! With rising petrol, fuel + living costs - people living in poor areas can not be considered as affluent rather than the reverse - as we have higher "living" costs and less disposable income. Don't like the idea of closures! Nor outsourcing. TYPICAL OF CURRENT KNEE-JERK LOGIC. THIS TREATS THE SYMPTOMS WITHOUT CONSIDERING THE CAUSE. I am surprised to see your admission that you cannot operate your libraries as cheaply/efficiently as private organisations. I suggest you get a good manager. I think the library needs to be run by one source ie. suffolk county council unhelpful for the multitude of various users of sifferent social, educational & cultural backgrounds who value access to reference data, practical data, entertainment available at present for people of all age groups, LIBRARIES are a NECESSITY not an optional disposable easily disposed of item on a budget. Westbourne library covers a very large geographical are & is needed. Not a lot. Many people do not have time to help run librarys. Earning a living comes first. Devastated if funding is withdrawn from our village library - personally & on behalf of my At Home Library Service clients. Disappointing I would prefer if the county council would stay as a delivery service instead of an enabling council Keep the council as a delviery service Sad that this wonderful facility should have to face such cut backs, when all children especially should be encouraged to read and learn. Im happy with the way it is at the moment Not much If the only way the libraries can stay open is to hand them over to other orgaisations then thats better than them closing By allowing other groups to take on the running of libraries is good in order to keep the library open, however I believe it is better to keep existing trained/paid staff to provide the service, I dont think such a good service would be delivered if volunteers were to take over.

I have great reservations ! A travesty. crap Incorrect approach undermining of the community's support for the cultural life of the county. I feel concerned that the areas mentioned as Community libraries will receive less funding when they have already lost many focal points for community life. Rediculous nonsense! keep Mildenhall open and its brilliant, close mildenhall and its not so good Perhaps combine the above services with food, pub or at least light cafe access. So the premises become a major destination for those who do not live in town - toilets essential unless public ones are close. It seems to me that there are some people that are making all the changes - which may well be necessary - and some that are having no changes to their lives at all. Is this fair? Do not agree at all. It would be unwise to cose the community libraries as so many people will miss out especially children and the elderly. And then when times are better - how are you going to open them all if they have gone? Some of the libraries have been there for 50+ years - why close them now. The 1970's were economically as well but libraries didn't shut Not a lot, Certainly do NOT want an other type of business shops etc - included in our very busy library as now. Depressing! (By the way, why could I not complete this form on-line?) libraries are so essential to us all, don't close them! Please, please, please don't close them. Not a lot! For those of us who will be 15 miles from the nearest library without a direct bus service it could take hours to get there & back & yet we will be paying the same council tax as others in Suffolk. It's the usual story of not really considering those in rural areas. Kindly give more thought to what you are doing & how it affects those who pay you. I think the county council should continue the service it currently provides and the government should cut their nuclear waeapon budget to pay for it. I think some of the overall proposals are worth considerable thought and should be tried and tested before they are rejected to give the future of libraries a chance. Your proposals have been very vague, you seemed to have thrown the ball expecting it to come back with answers, but somehow through bad management and direction it has gone off field and come back at you covered in mud. I think what few ideas you have had are hasty and ill thought out and really you want the electorate to separate the wood from the chaff for you instead of being innovative your selves. I think there is room for improvement in all areas of the council and savings to be made but to cut or divest a service completely seem severe. I wish I lived in essex where cut backs are being made so there is no loss of infrastructure. This to me seems are far more sensible idea as re investment will be able too take place when the country's deficit has been eradicated and the will be more money in the system to put back into the services. I don't mind my cloth being cut leanly but I don't want to go bare back. Understandable, but exceedingly disappointing. Living in the country / villages, we already have less value for our council tax than town dwellers, from say no street lighting, road sweeping - and this will become greater with no library and no park. Unrealistic, unfair, wrong, selfish, try cutting Andrea's pay then come back and ask those of us on 12,000 a year to accept so little It is badly thought out. It sees things only in cash terms and does not take into account the real value of a service. I spent six years looking after two pre-school children. The library was the only place I could take them. The library is also the only place where people can meet that is not on licensed premises.

I understand the need to make cuts but feel that the libraries are not a good choice and I note that other Counties are retaining all their libraries. Not good - Newmarket library is well used and offers several activities besides the borrowing of books etc. it would be a mistake to close it I think that alot will change if your proposal happens and not for the best. The libraries will not be run as smoothly and will not have as much information and systems available to them. This will mean that the people who do currently visit to use the internet and reference libraries e.g. ancestry will not come and use it and will not bother coming to those libraries that are run by SCC because they think that they will have the same effect. I also think that if you try to encourporate many more items into the libraries that it will put the older generation off of coming in who are the people who in general rely on the service. Short sighted and misguided Not a good idea to turn libraries into shops etc. I think they'll cause hardship - libraries are an important part of a town's life and i don't think volunteers can fulfill all of the librarians functions. A visit to the library in other towns is a treat for a lot of people agree I feel that it is a shame that a 30% funding reduction is being demanded, when money is clearly wasted elsewhere within the council's budget. How can this work for me? I can't drive! How can HLS operate? My HLS rep doesn't drive but walks around Southwold and Reydon with books/CDs/Cassettes - how can this work with no library? Don't change a thing in main libraries Any form of privatisation or breakup of the Library Service is a recipe for disaster! Farming out services in the long run always ends up costing morenor the quality of service drops most noticeably! Consider returning libraries to their original purpose of providing books and cut out a lot of the "nice to have" trimmings. Inclusivity is all very well but not at the expense of the core business. we know you have to make savings, but not as savage, as you have forcast Don't agree reasonable Dreadful. Southwold library is significant to us, but we know from our use of it that it is central to some people's lives. This must also be true of the other libraries you intend to wash your hands of. A fresh approach, page 9 had some good ideas, also it is important to keep libraries as many people need access to computers and the internet You should care more for books. I think Newmarket library should stay open as it is well used but could do with some improvements Libraries should be aviailable to all parts of the community, running with volunteers will exclude people because of social groups and opening times. I think its a very bad idea Not very pleased with the proposals Libraries are important towards learning and introducing children to library activities Bit of a fait acompli I think if its not broke why change it, I never voted for an enabling council It's just the council's way of opting out of providing services Totally against it as are the majority of the community Perhaps fair but thought should have been given to how important the service is to the young ie. 315 year olds.

Good ideas but in this economic climate not sure how many people able to volunteer. Think rural people miss out have to drive or catch bus. Bury library is along way with young children + no parking. OK The service is excellent. and the staff are very nice and kind. It would be good to combine with other public functions - the Town Hall would be an ideal location if it were to be made suitable. Do not want service transfered to other bodies - certainly not a profit making private concern. I agree with most of the proposals I think libraries are a lifeline for people and they should stay open, they benefit all ages #NAME? i feel that it is stupid as i have lived in newmarket for 10 years and all the time i have lived here i love coming to the library for internet purpose, and reading books, and also if you were to get volunteers in rather than paying staff you would actually save money. i understand people have to provide for families but i would help if it means that my community are happy with this service and are actually benefitting from the resources. Overall the proposals are good, but I do not understand why the county libraries will be open for longer hours - I think the hours are adequate now, and it will cost more. Strongly against closing Southwold!! It is important to involve individuals and communities in the development to new library services however where a local passion does not exist there should be the comitment from "library services" to provide an equal if not better service. The council should keep responsibility for the libraries, Newmarket covers a wide area, the next nearest libraries are quite a distance away, too far. Rather than lose libraries i think opening hours could be reduced I don't think you have looked hard enough at alternatives to closing community libraries. I cannot believe your solution has really considered the long term effects on communities. I am appalled that our elected council can even think of doing this. I feel very strongly that the funds should be divided equally between all libraries. To reduce costs all libraries should reduce their opening days and also opening hours if necessary. It is hardly fair to close some and leave others fully operational. I think the council is spending too much on their own facilites which are there for the public but they have made that decision without too much input from the general public, we definatly need the money spent on libraries. Appalling. Barbaric. A sure sign of ignorant councillors who are out of touch with their communities and deserve to be thrown out at the next election - and hopefully will be. You should be thoroughly ashamed of yourselves. You have selected all the wrong places to make cuts - impacting local people across the board. Look at Egypt, Libya, Bahrein - and learn. The world has changed and people are empowered in a new way. They don't take bad treatment lying down - and the British are no different. Frankly, I'd fire the lot of you and make sure you could never stand for election or work for local government again. I would like funding to remain if possible failing that any method to keep them open I dont agree with your proposals, everyone needs a library, the library offers advice, dvds, books and internet etc, i dont think it should close Newmarket library is a place for everyone to come, I use the library a lot and would like it to stay so that it is here for my children. I think less libraries will be a great lack for the county We understand you need cutbacks but why does it have to be reading and eductional facilities The library should stay open as it well by adults and children

I think that once the genie is out of the bottle, it will be very hard to put it back in. The changes you are proposing are certainly unparalleled with anything I can recall in my lifetime (40 years). It will alter the community, restrict access to educational resources for the poorer people and take away something precious that all of us have had access to, regardless of age, wealth or background. Turn off street lights in the middle of the night. Make us eke out our recycling bins for three weeks instead of two. This is a terrible mistake. Clearly doing nothing is not an option! I wonder if the Council can contribute to this in a more creative manner, by considering the wider issues of supporting this invaluable service. Bus services, and parking costs for example are a major concern to many people in Ipswich, and certainly are a significant disincentive for people who would otherwise visit the Town more often and stay for longer to make best use of the Library. I think it is disgraceful to close libaries and expect elderly people to buy books as they cant afford it. Short term thinking and ties the hands of future councillors. I do not thinke closing these Libraries down is right for any one young or the more senior we need to be able to read these wonderfull works not every one can afford to buy them Libraries are a resource for the whole community, not every household has access to the internet, and for those with children this is becoming more vital as the schools move to more e learning and on line work to do at home. Appalling. How come Essex, Norfolk & Northhampton, Devon etc are NOT closing libraries? I wonder how councillors (with their allowances) slep at night. I think the plan to close Rosehill library is discraceful. It is a very popular community library used by all age groups alike. This would be most unpopular move for locals in that area!! I'm sure , the community/ies would not mind paying for borrowed books, say 1 a loan? per week?? Still a much cheaper option. I'm sure, more people would visit a library more if visiting remained FREE. Surestart community Areas could remain FREE also to encourage people to read. Can reading lessons be offered at libraries? Maybe even foreign language courses or corporate meetings?? #NAME? See 3 above. I think that local access to library services is essential. Requiring all Suffolk residents to travel to a county library would either increase car use or reduce overall use of libraries particularly for the very young and very old. Or lead to increased purchasing of books that are read once then put on a shelf. Extending the mobile library service may be a viable option, bnut only if the availability could be increased. The mobile library stop in Debach is for about 15 minutes in the middle of the day and is of no use to many of the residents who are either out at work or have children at school. A library provides a environmentally responsible means for all people to have access to a fantastic selection of books. Lets aim to keep local access to libraries should keep libraries open

As mentioned above, I am very saddened and depressed by this move of casting off libraries individually and not allowing them to continue as a network. I can only assume that someone at the County Council has an agenda to close public libraries as much as possible, without having the moral courage to do it openly. Does the Council seriously think that a voluntary group can run a library on income such as the proceeds of book sales and donations without paying some sort of organiser to co-ordinate it all? I am also aware of issues not tackled on even the more detailed documents: e.g. how to get the library cleaned if the Council took away contract cleaners, or what if the community group did not wish to buy into the Council s full offer e.g. if they were able to source stock from elsewhere? On the other side of the coin, I am concerned that the proposals seem always to include the employment of the library service on full staffing as at present. I see that for Westbourne this makes a total of 51,070 and for Rosehill a total of 49,740. Yet the example given on page 9 of the consultation document of the community library at Chalfont St Giles is entirely managed and staffed by volunteers. I have read the document more than once and at no time does it get to grips with this issue in detail. I feel that at the very least by not examining this issue in the document the Council is being economical with the truth e.g: it is probably not possible for a Community Library to run on current staffing levels by a community group with the sort of funding sources that community groups have access to. I accept the fact that Question 4 asks about reductions in Council funding of 30% but this would only be a start I understand that further reductions are in the pipeline. In which case, if there was not sufficient funding to pay for staff, would the community group be responsible for making those staff redundant? Would the community groups be expected to put staff through the Council s convoluted and time-wasting performance review process? I understand that this is all part of a plan to gradually divest Suffolk Council of its services until it is a Commissioning shell council. This was discussed at a meeting I attended as an employee of the Council about 5 years ago, but it was not then expressed as purely a way to save money. I am personally somewhat concerned by the suggestion that this shell council will continue to employee a chief executive on a salary of 218,000. Also, would this shell council still continue to need to be represented by 75 councillors with allowances of at least 10,000 per annum? If the Rosehill or Westbourne library offered a voluntary subscription service, I would be willing to pay a subscription as a heavy user of the service and as someone who has contributed significantly financially in terms of overdue fines in any case. I also run a reading group, and I think that members of my group might be prepared to make a financial contribution - indeed I think that members of most reading groups would be prepared to pay a subscription. I believe you are wrong to suggest that they can be run by volunteers. Other nearby villages that do not have a library come here to use ours. It is also used by the school and reading groups, and provides books for the WEA branch that is held in our Community Centre (yet another activity that is run by volunteers). fair You should all be ashamed, you are hoping to destroy a great service. I love my library. Not a lot. I think they are ill-judged and determined to lower the reading level of the general public. I understand cuts have to be made but it a shame the community library like Elmswell are the one you want to close.it is part of the community and all ages use it.I agree the larger library should stay open. I think that our Library is Hadleigh is in constant use by all of the community from children and babies to the elderly. Our library should remain the same and is well supported by the community Very confusing, the goal posts seem to move on a regular basis. The infomation provided is inaccurate and insufficient. We have received many mixed messages and SCC dod not seem to have thought the process through.

Overall I think the proposals are short sighted for the reasons above. However, sharing the premises, staff etc.may be a way forward. Certainly there are savings which could be made but I think it is wrong to make such drastic cuts. We have a proud history of education and free libraries in this country. Who could think it is progressive to either not have access to books or for those able to visit Waterstones and using yet more resources, buy them. Libraries are great recyclers. I have always been very proud of the Suffolk Library Service when I am talking to friends and family in Derbyshire, Sussex and France. I am not feeling very proud at the moment, in fact I feel embarrassed. Horrific but perhaps necessary. It depends on the community sponsorship After having used the public library services for 75 years I consider that the proposals area a very bad move and will be the end of a much used public service. Dreadful. I use libraries constantly and will be devastated by reductions in services, Suffolk has a county wide service to be proud of and must be retained as much as possible while making savings where feasible. At the end of the day you're having to take some significant action due to the major cuts, which are in turn due to the economic climate. This cannot be helped, I think you are doing the best you possibly can to ensure we do not lose our libraries. I think you have displayed a woeful lack of imagination in making these proposals and that a more genuine consultation should provide us tax payers with the opportunity to prioritise and choose between a range of services - not just the library service. In particular I think any further proposed town-centre 'improvement' plans should be scrapped and the county and district funds applied to other services. This would also be an appropriate time to draw down on any reserves to maintain services durinig the recession. why are you taking our reading materials away, how are we supposed to grow and develop, let's face it, the school system is letting our children down, if the library system ios reduced, us parents are going to struggle to educate our kids too! Do not see businesses opting to run libraries. Without skilled librarians/staff in overall charge it would be total chaos. Dear Shirley Shasteen (Issi.com) Greetings, I rang you just now to get an email contact for your company as there is currently not one on your website; if one clicks onto 'contact' nothing happens at all!? i live in a town called Beccles in Suffolk,UK. The whole of the library system in this county is under threat. I read in the East Anglian Daily Times, quoting one of your UK vice Presidents, Stuart Fitzgerald, that your company is 'ready to take over Suffolk's libraries and run them more efficiently than the county council'. He also said 'We are not interested in taking ownership of the library buildings or the library stock. What we would do is manage the libraries much more efficiently than the county council is able to do which would push down costs. That does not mean libraries would be open for shorter hours- if anything we would like to extend the hours many of the libraries open to ensure they are open when people want to use them'. This all sounds great. I do wonder how a company presumably wanting to make a proffit running suffolks libraries while keeping up the level of service and the excellent personnel currently running them. Please let me know how do you plan to do this without opening a branch of macdonnalds in every library!! Also one can currently order in books from right across the county, will this service continue? I am a low tech library user with no compuer at home and I borrow about 6 books per week; I am poor and could not afford to pay for my library service any more than I do in local taxes. I look forward to your reply with interest.

Dear Sirs, I am appalled at the current proposals for such severe funding cuts to the Suffolk Library Services I have been a library user for over sixty years and have worked in both Public and School Libraries in Essex and Suffolk for over thirty two years so am in a good position to know how valuable these services are and how dedicated the staff. I cannot see how handing these same services over to commercial interests can be the answer. Bookshops inside libraries would be appropriate and certainly popular in Beccles, which is about to lose it's one remaining bookshop. I doubt however whether the small profit earned by the shop would make up the 30% extra needed for the budget. My own local library in Beccles has undergone a very attractive refurbishment recently and I have nothing but praise for the excellent and well trainid staff. What a dreadful waste of public money it would be to throw all these assets away. Free libraries are as invaluable part of the community, however if they cannot remain free in the present fiancial climate surely it would be better to introduce subscription charges and/or a small hourly charges for use. Senior citizens like myself make up a very high proportion of lbrary users, personally I could not buy all the book I need and I would rather pay a subscription whilst acknowledging that this is a sad backwards step! I know from conversations with my peers that many others agree. All libraries need regular injections of new stock, up to date fiction and non-fiction as well as replacement of old favourites. Cutting the Bookfund is ABSOLUTELY not an option. Cutting hours is an option although another backward step. Increasing charges and cutting hours could, hopefully, be temporary measures. Closed libraries could be closed forever I agree with most of them and believe that if cuts must be made, and they must, that serving rural areas is a must as reading is so important to the elderly and the very young who may not be able to easily access books, or any other of the services offered in libraries. I must say that 30% seems a very harsh figure to aim for so quickly. Also, I remain incensed that the head of Suffolk County Council continues on a salary higher than the Prime Minister's salary. NO TO ANY OTHER SO CALLED 'SERVICES' IN LIBRARIES Anything above will help. I think threat of withdrawal of services in small rurual communtities is depressing, when rural life is steadily becoming more difficult & travel more expensive & unavailable, but ideas for co-location are promising It would be a terrible shame if our local library service was to be withdrawn and without realistic CC support, I think this would happen. It is a vital resource for both leisure and education. Combined with online services, the library facilitates access to resources that neither I nor my family would be able to access otherwise. Community involvement may be increased, but I feel that it is essential that the CC continues to support a paid manager/co-ordinator to organise the services and to ensure that they are maintained to the high standard that has characterised these services for many years. Forced on us all but workable. Beccles I wish to show my support for keeping this library open. Those who can pay should be prepared to do so for various services which are offered. Nominal amounts of 1 + would surely be acceptable. I agree it does not have to be managed by the County Council but haaave no specific suggestions for alternatives. Beccles Traders Association, Christine Pinsent of Saxons, may have ideas. The space should be multi-use. For clubs, societies, meetings, groups, painting etc. for a rental fee. It would be a great loss to the community if the library service in Beccles ceased. Not much, except that our paid county council representatives have taken the easy way out. Those in the libraries division seem to think we have the knowledge of how the system works. They can have much knowledge themselves if they look to the unitiated for ideas. POWER WITHOUT RESPIBSIBILITY INEVITABLE AS SAVINGS NEED TO BE MADE! Idealistic but very unrealistic. In current climate I do not feel there is the will to help when the lead needs to come from the top. i.e. executives, team leaders, seen to be giving their time voluntarily and taking pay cuts.

Disaster for young and old alike. I think if you take rural libraries away you are taking part of the community away. This is terrible & makes life very difficult for rural communities. Fine. No library cuts I would like to think that all libraries could remain open however I do know that there has to be cutbacks, this will of course be drastic to some but some cuts have to be made Ultimately a library service is essential & necessary for the community as a whole. County Council will have to think hard & find the means to continue operating the service. Am pretty sure cuts elsewhere can be made without hitting us @ the local level. Awful. Try Part time opening before you cut it completely, the saving may not be as quick but it will be worth it. Disgraceful. We all know about the need to save money and we see where the council waste it every day. Suffolk is creating a community of philistines. Libraries are a key local service especially for older residents that may not be comfortable with technology. As ever the Council seem destined to reduce our community to the lowest common denominator I think it would be appalling to lose this community service in rural areas;whilst I understand footfall, prioritising etc there must be a way to make up the deficit. I do not agree with the proposals. Library services are really important within the towns and smaller communities. They are particularly important to people who are out of work, retired or who have young famalies. If you cared about your employees you would allow reduction from natural wastage; chnage could be gradual. It would seem more sensible to supplement experienced and trained staff in larger libraries with volunteers from the community and leave smaller libraries run by the very small number of experienced staff they currently employ. A reduction in some hours of opening and times of least use may be appropriate. Couldn't more innovative ways be found to increase income from the great resource of books, information and trained staff. I am perplexed at the length of your documents and the number of them and the jargon, which you are asking us to read BEFORE we engage in consultation. You will need to find a shorter smarter way of engaging the public than this. You also need to avoid a consultation on an already decided direction; such an approach was shown to be wrong in the Forestry Commission's latest attempt to 'consult'. Firstly, this response to Suffolk CC's consultation document is almost bound to be the answer to a question that hasn't been asked. Inasmuch as this process purports to be a 'consultation' with Suffolk residents, it amounts to "We're going to kill your mother: do you want her poisoned, shot or electrocuted?" Only careful reading reveals that a small section of the document is provided for opinion about the library service as a whole and its importance in the cultural life of the county and the country in general. Those at the centre of this Consultation will almost certainly not want to hear these opinions because they aren't coming forward with offers to help run a library for SCC. Suffolk County Council is the Library Authority charged under the Public Libraries & Museums Act 1964 with provision of a "comprehensive and efficient library service", we all pay our Council Tax and Income Tax to finance these services and the Library Authority should and must provide that service. The Divestment process is a disgrace to Suffolk and to its people in that it is really a staged closure programme not least because of the Council's under-reported intention to reduce (over 3 years) then cut off funding to any organization or body interested in running its local branch. A paltry 0.86 of one per cent of the Suffolk CC budget (on 2010/2011 figures) is spent on our libraries and record offices. Getting rid of the whole of that system - the envy of many other authorities - would save next to nothing in the overall scheme of things. The public library network in Suffolk has always been a Cinderella service relying on the dedication to the public and love of the library culture of its overworked, underpaid and overstretched staff. This outrageous ideological move against the libraries from an out-of-control political elite in Endeavour House will result in staff going off on

long-term sick leave and the service will be at breaking-point in many branches. Perhaps that is what they are trying to achieve. There is no consideration apart from a little lip service to provision of the excellent library service to which the borrowers have become accustomed. Saying that you are not taking away libraries from people by this procedure doesn't mean that you aren't doing it in a very underhand way. When organizations find it financially and practically non-viable to take on their local branch, which most of them will, the County Council can say: "The branch closed because of lack of local public interest and support"! As custodians of public money - that is OUR money - we demand that Suffolk County Council spends it directly (albeit wisely) on a service that is vital to the life of Suffolk and which, until now, we get at a bargain price.

SCC proposals shock me. Hands off our libraries. We don't want them closed or privatised ! Overall proposal is OK rubbish Cost cutting that will have huge social consequences for future generations Awful and that's being very polite. My local library is ideal for diabled access and plenty of parking with excellent disabled facilities. I don't think using volunteers will work. They do not always turn up, and people who are keen to begin with, quite often are not when realisation of what is involved kicks in. I think Suffolk County Council should use their size, and knowlege to be able to make the necessary reductions without handing libraries over, or closing any libraries. Not good Not much. The people sent to explain to about 400 users of our library of our library were pretty hopeless in answering questions and seemed badly informed and at sea themselves. way is to reduce costs is to rely on volunteers. Ask each parish council to provide an annual donation * For example - use both sides of the paper* This would reduce paper usage - hence yet another small saving for the libraries & for the carbon footprint!!! My great grand children will have 9 pages of lovely drawing & painting paper - thanks to your generous? or careless use of public funds. Sorry But True. To be honest I am not clear on what is changing at my local library. The pdf I have scanned through has stats and comments etc.. but I can't see a 'proposed changes' section. Libraries have to develop with times, wider variety of services taylor made for the community is probably the only way ahead. Criminal, with such poor levels of literacy in Suffolk, you are proposing to make it even harder for children to improve. I am disgusted by the actions of the county councillors who have appeared to have voted on something they don't understand. I have always been proud of my county, not anymore, I am ashamed. Cannot wait for the next elections. They are ill considered and poorly thought out. I fail to understand why those who live in reasonably affluent areas with easy access are supported by one of the most valuable services, while those in more rural areas will be made to suffer. Valuable resources should be concentrated on the greatest area of NEED. Library services are never going to make money, so why should any outside organisation take them on? Once again the poor suffer at the expense of the well off.

We are appalled. Our local library service is place our whole family visits regularly. We could not afford to buy the books we read over a year. Our children have developed a love of reading through the library and surely it enriches their experience to be able to try so many different authors and styles of book. It is our view that your proposals for the library service disadvantage disabled and older people as they need to have a library service that is local to them and that is fully accessible. It will be difficult and expensive for disabled and older people to travel to the larger towns to access a library service. Disabled and older people are also more likely to have lower incomes and will be affected by other cutbacks in their benefits and services. A full equality impact assessment, involving disabled and older people, should be undertaken on your proposals. Self protecting for middle/senior management, which is top heavy Not in the interests of the rate payers who are the customers Disgraceful. Its another nail in the publics right to free education. Without the library to study in, I would never have gone to university. A library is the centre of the community. Diabolical No comment If these proposals are implemented many people in smaller communities will be penalised unfairly after all they also pay rates and taxes. Those who work in libraries are the best judges of these criteria. Selling off libraries to private companies very bad idea. If they can take them on and make a profit without providing a second rate service, why can't SCC. I hope your community library proposal will be attractive to existing organisations with a lot of experience, particularly in social enterprise rather than single focus community activity. Documents of the kind you have produced are appearing all over public service areas and they minimise the complexity of what is involved. They make governance sound straightforward when it is incredibly demanding and when we know that recruitment even to well established activities such as school governance often staggers from crisis to crisis. Those of us who have run charities know what the reality of volunteering is - that the majority of volunteers who offer themselves, very understandably, do so to fulfill their own needs. They seldom have a 'constant service improvement' ethos unless they are closely supported and supervised by staff who do have it. Having read through the consultation document the only real proposal I could find was a threat to close 29 libraries if the public don't respond with some ideas of reducing the costs of library services. Far too many rural libraries are on the 'disposable' list. Elderly people cannot travel long distances in order to return and take out books. The same applies to young mothers with small children, many of whom cannot afford the expensive bus fare to the nearest larger town. If absolutely essential, why not have a small annual subscription fee for library membership? Poor, No real empathy with local community especially aged + infirm Keep Clare library open I think your consultaqtion document is a total pisstake. Consultation (look it up in one of your dictionaries) implies choice. In making my views to you I want the option to TELL you my views. NOT to tender to run my favourite local library Rosehil is a very busy community library, serving the old and the young in a friendly and efficient way. It provides a vital service locally. the proposal to close it is short sighted & totally lacks any understanding of the locality & the people that the libraryserves. i would suggest that Andrea Hills salary is capped. This saving alone would finance the continuation of Rosehill library for the foreseeable future. Yes, and I don't think that reduction of funding is going to support those proposals.

I think that Library Staff who are highly trained to run the service to the high standard it has become. I do not think diversity of this service should be an option, we are a community and a most useful service which can be expanded to include other local government departments, we could incorperate the job center as they seem to send everyone to us anyway, I feel it is a shame and a very sad reflection of a political agenda which I do not adhere to and think is disgusting. Framing the Big Society as benign and positive idea is disgraceful and it is sad that the council has gone for it. It is one thing getting people more involved in the community, another cutting public services. People can see through it and unfortunately people will lose vital services as well as jobs. It is hard to put a positive sheen on the fact that there are cuts, hard to get excited about the future proposals. I think it should be left as it is. we need to preserve and build not uproot and destroy our future. I think you have upset and angered a great many people with your proposals. It seems obvious to those of us who live in villages that the people who made these proposals have never lived in a community that relies on volunteers to run its Community Centre, Over 60's, Good Neighbour Scheme, W.I., W.E.A., RBL, Meals on Wheels, a village magazine, and two churches, and we do know that to expect volunteers to run the Library is not workable! I am really sorry to have to be so negative. Bonkers Very concerned about the threats to the library service and the impact this may have on children, students and the elderly particularly in areas of deprivation where the library may be the only place where the internet can be accessed. Where libraries are closed some elderly may not have transport to county libraries. Closing of community libraries will increase demands on most county libraries and they will need increased resources but seem to be under threat of reduced funding. Proposals sketchy, very vague suggestions. People fear decisions already made public meetings necessary. Very little Eliminate waste ie. - these proposals could have been printed on much less paper many other economies can be made. Horrified at the thought of losing Thurston Library The library should continue to be available to all who need or want to use it. I do not at present use it but I did when I was not working because had young children at home and I am sure I will again when I retire and have more time in the village. I cannot believe that anyone would be so shortsighted as to close the library. Young people need to be encouraged to use books where they have to use their imaginations rather than to have everything computerised and handed to them as a finished product with no input from themselves. I appreciate that computers are an important part of life and education but so too are books. Libraries should be run by paid proffesionals library staff I feel that introducong volunteers everything will become chaotic and will not work. The devolvement of libraries from county council control to private charity / business/ town council control is appalling. Our libraries are an invaluable cornerstones of the community, encouraging literacy and continued learning from all members of society. They provide an essential service in allowing those with limited resources access to information in printed and digital formats. They are safe, caring meeting places for vulnerable and lonely people. In addition, they support the development of the next generation. This task is thus far too important for control to be surrendered to an ill- thought out and inept organisation. By fragmenting the library service in the proposed manner, there will be huge variation in standards throughout the region, and the currently effecient manner with which the resources are shared among members in different branches (or via the mobile service) will become near impossible. There are so many alternatives to reduce daily expendature before this irrevecable and disasterous demolition of our library service is carried out.

This is a personal view. I think Suffolk County Council presently do a good job of running libraries, however, I disagree with the way the proposed cuts/ changes will disproportionately affect rural areas. Rather than pushing rural (community) libraries to the limit to save what in all honesty seems peanuts in relation to the overall saving "required" (c.17k/yr out of c.46k/yr total running costs for Debenham), I think that maybe the town (county) libraries sould bear a bigger cut of another 0.5% or so of their budget for the greater good of the whole county If it is intended that Framlingham library should close I think it will seriously deprive the community of a vital service. It will mean more car journeys for readers, many of whom are elderly anyway. In fact the elderly are probably a majority of readers. Short sighted. Once the libraries in rural areas have gone, they will never reopen. We are not well off, at the moment we can walk or combine trips to the library with visits to Eye. Books are a life line, to many peolple of all ages. Useful I think they are ill-conceived and lack any sense of realism about what is practicable and deliverable. Those giving presentations seem ill-informed though I suspect that is because they don't know how these plans will work and what the long-term will hold. This puts them at a real disadvantage and doubly weakens the case for pursuing this daft idea. I do understand that libaries along with everything else will need to save money but it seems that these proposals will damage the very small communities who perhaps rely more on the library the consultation document is badly written, confusing and really says little of substance What proposals ????? No logic has been applied. Volunteers, even if you are able to find them, will not be able to provide the same level of ability regular members of staff are able to do. I also understand that organisations who rely on volunteers are struggling to find enough. I think it is wrong that libraries be taken out of council control. I feel that should the be run by community groups made up of volunteers will end up in the closure of the library. People become bored or others be come megalomaniacs. This ends in people falling out and no one wanting to be involved. Shocking, short-sighted, wasteful, careless. Shocked and angry - our professionally run library services bring together many ages and sectors of the community, offer a wide range of services and are historically part of what is good about living in Britain! The library service is a fantastic service for the commnuity and it would be a shame if any had to close but we need to save money. The library service offers so much for so many people and this is some people life line. The activities they run there help the young people gain confidence and skills, its important to keep this as the area were gainsborough is needs things like this. This library offers so many thing for the community and since we had the new library it seems its the hub for the community, when people talk about gainsborough they all say "thats where the new library is". Giansborough library needs to stay open to carry on offering a excellent service for all. It is most important to remember that not everyone has access to the internet, or wishes to use it. A mainly interenet access service is excluding to a large portion of society. I think it a total cop out by a spineless Tory council, out of touch with the wishes and needs of the overwhelming majority of the population. They are remote and have no idea of how important things like libraries are to so many people. To carry on this idea that private individuals and companies will somehow provide the same level of service when all they're concerned about is profit is totally misguided. The council should take some responsiblity.

THEY ARE AN ILL THOUGHT OUT, POLITICALLY MOTIVATED, SHORT TERM KNEE JERK REACTION TO A PROBLEM THAT EVERYONE PRETENDED WASN'T THERE UNTIL THE LAST ELECTION. THE LIBRARY SERVICE HAS NEEDLESSLY FRITTERED MONEY ON PROJECTS THAT IT SHOULDN'T HAVE AND NOW BECOME A VICTIM OF THAT (LEAP- FOR EXAMPLE). HOWEVER THE REMEDY IS NOT TOTAL AMPUTATION BUT CAREFUL, WELL THOUGHT OUT TREATMENT; MANY SAVINGS CAN BE MADE AS I OUTLINED EARLIER. I URGE MY COUNCIL TO REPRESENT ME AND ALL LIVING IN THIS COUNTY; DO NOT CLOSE THE VITAL SERVICES WE WILL CONTINUE TO PAY FOR BECAUSE SUFFOLK IS IN SOME HEADLONG RUSH TO BE THE FIRST ACROSS THE TORY FINISHING LINE IN THE RACE TO SLASH COSTS AND END SERVICES THAT ARE THE PRIDE OF OUR COUNTRY AND THE ENVY OF OTHERS. THIS IS NOT WHAT ANYONE VOTED FOR; YOU HAVE NO MANDATE. Sensible I would not ike to see the library service lost to the local community, if savings could be made in charging for certain facilities within the library.internet, use of other equipment other than the loan of books, people would be prepared to pay a small fee. Libraries set up some years ago only provided the loan of books. Any additional use of facilities should generatea small fee. Need a rethink. Why destroy what is already there? Have the librarian there 3 days a week and contributing to recycling and youth service the other 2. Libraries are the keystone of early development, widening opportunities and equal accessibility to information/resources in particular internet accesss. Books broaden and open the mind. A society that does not offer this to all of its citizens particularly the most vulnerable and deprived is a poor reflection of those in power. Whilst I know savings have got to be made it is notable that many other councils are not considering the same drastic cost cutting of libraries. I am sad that local community libraries are not valued enough by the council to receive ongoing funding - My children have been greatly helped in learning to read due to the summer reading scheme and I feel it is shortsighted to remove funding from libraries, as they are a vital resource particularly for children and elderly residents in rural towns and villages. I think that the councils reserve funds should be used to keep libraries open. I am not impressed. Other counties can maintain their existing libraries, why not Suffolk? Disgusting Apalling you are stealing vital services from vunerable rural communities They are disgraceful and you should be ashamed of yourself Very bad no protection for disabled persons neeeds may even by illgal under disabled equality legislation. That they're disgraceful. We think that your proposals reduce opportunities for disabled people Rather simplistic, cut the smallest and save money. I think the cuts should have been applied more carefully considering local deprivation, more exactly. Details of back office services and propsals for their delivery are not really covered in any detail except as costs in the budgets. I have no idea what you intend but to close something that is well used and a centre for resources to help all ages with internet access and a wealth of other things. It has a social aspect to many also. This historic small town is suffering many cuts this would be one to far. I'm unaware of them! but closure is a retrograde step. BE VERY CAREFUL I am shocked and saddened that there appears to be a possibility that public services will no longer be fully run by a taxpayer funded public sector. If indeed this is the case then it is the greatest mistake this council will ever make. I cannot express this strongly enough. I believe you are betraying future generations.

As you will have gathered I think the proposal does not take sufficient account of the relative costs of provision. Finally I would say that I was very impressed with the usage at Lowestoft and this made me think that another metric I would like to consider, in the medium term, is the proportion of the population in the catchment area who use the library ("market penetration" in the language of my world). Some libraries are bound to be more successfull than others and I would like to see learning across the network on that score - even just piublishing league tables can have an effect no one likes to be near the bottom. Sensible proposals. Interesting and innovative and fantastic if they work. However I am concerned that if no-one is able to step forward to assist with these plans then libraries will be lost forever to the detriment of the communities they currently serve. Bin them now and produce some meaningful proposals that protect the much needed library services in Suffolk I hate the idea of putting the library in premises used for other purposes - pubs, shops, post offices etc Not much! Because I think it is based on a false premise i.e. that it needs to be cut by 30% over 3 years. Some cuts are acceptable but a massacre is not. I do not think you can replace trained and experienced librarians with ignorant volunteers. ( I was a library assistant in the dim distant past and I know there are lots of exams to be passed if you are to do the job properly.) Its a question of knowing where to look for all sorts of specific information and books not just shelving them! There may be some tasks volunteers can do but not the professional ones. We have to save money. But I think the key is to make the service more simple in its operation. Going back to basics (ie lending books and providing imformation) which we have always traditionally done will serve the community well into the future. Please do not close any if possible. Those who live in Suffolk cannot go to other counties for library use Sad What proposals?? Don't change a thing. FINE Poor - this is a statutory service which should remain as it it - if it ain't broke, don't fix it! The proposals are aimed reducing essential services for purely financial reasons. Salarys of top Council executives should be revised before cutting services to local people Crazy. I strongly disapprove if involving any profit-making business in the library service. They NEVER have the interests of the community at heart, and seek only to extract profit to the detriment of all. Keep our libraries open - they are a vital community service. Reservations of organisations Suffolk. Suffolk community groups - favourable. Believe certain guarantees need to be in place. Outside or community bodies to safeguard proper running of a library. Agree to modernisation, an effort to integrate more I.T. is needed. Awful. LIBRARIES ARE ESSENTIAL for development & learning The rosehill branch is staffed by very friendly people, has a good car park and I strongly object ot its closure. NOT REQUIRED its in good use please don't close Rosehill Library - its valuable to the community it is disgraceful that Rosehill is under threat of closure, I shop locally and use The Rosehill library. It will stop me using the library if I have to go into town to do so. All libraries are important to huge cross- section of customers - toddlers, families,elderly, school

groups, social activities I think your plans are ill thought out and flawed. They appear to have been put together by someone who neither understands nor values the contribution of libraries to society. Personally I am not happy with the thought of divestment I would prefer that our services were retained, as going to an outside provider would affect the level of service that we currently receive. Broadly ok but they have not been thought through enough in terms of 'blue skying' as to what can be achieve in a very positive community enhancing manner. What proposals? You dont seem to be offering anything concrete, just asking people for ieas! This is a very disappointing document - it has no heart or substance. The fact that you have to ask the question when other councils are safeguarding their libraries speaks volumes about the efficiency of Suffolk Council. The infrastructure required in maintaining the computers and acquiring books is obviously a centralised function suited to a council and paid for centrally through rates or palmed off to private enterprise and paid for. This will lead to non efficient libraries being quietly closed over time just like the railways. It must be paid for one way or the other. If the council doesn't manage it, then services in general can be palmed out to private enterprise and we must ask what's the purpose of the council? Welcome to the third world I am not at all happy with the proposals that Suffolk County Council would divest itself of running the library service. No I am not at all happy with the proposals to divest library services. You will need to provide a great deal of training to enable parish councils to run a library I think the service should continue providing books as it does now. I feel the wreking of a well run organisation, in a manner that it cannot be regigged at a furture time as base vandilism.While understanding the need to moniter the machine and to update and service it would be a more natural solution. To replace mobile libraries or use school libraries is not an adequate substitute for the present service. Schools can be on the outskirt of the town and it would be even more difficult for people to gain access I am not happy at all that you want to divest the service. See above i realsie that costs have to be cut and whichever part of the library serviceis removed will upset and inconvenience many people, but will volunteers put paid librarians out of work? p.s As we are all having to tighten our belts, might not the head of the Suffolk County Council show us an example and tighten hers? I am in my 80's and have belonged to a library all my life, but in the early days, adults had to pay a fee for the priveilage. couldn't a system be revived where all adults paid 10 per year towards the borrowing of books and the use of computers etc? children, students and those on benefits would be exempt, but a tenner is a small price to pay for the library service. Closing libraries is a retrograde step, especially when so many children are leaving school unable to read or write properly. Libraries in Outlying districts might be housed in church halls or public houses. in book shops not a good idea - they want to SELL their books, not have people passing them by to borrow some! I am not happy that this service may be withdrawn meaning that those of us who are able will have to drive to Mildenhall to change books. Council tax payers in Lakenheath are not getting a fare deal for the amount we pay. The proposals seem appropriate within the parameters that you have to work with. I see no evidence that they will do anything to improve, or even sustain, a well run and much appreciated, countywide and statutory service,used by choice by many people, young and old, disabled and even housebound, like me, for educational, information and leisure purposes. Volunteers are already valuable contributors to local libraries, but cannot be expected to bear the main weight of running them day to day, or even turn up consistently day after day.

Disappointing - it feels like a commitment to disinvest in what is a fundamental part of rural communities. Illegal - I am ashamed that my representatives and their employees could even consider destroying our library - it is the equivalent to burning books. Libraries are a place where people go to enrich and develop their lives by reading and learning either by reading, using the computer, talks, children's song/story time. I think libraries should continue to be libraries and not another business opportunity with a side-line in lending books. The Newmarket library staff are friendly and knowledgeable and I think that there would only be good customer service in libraries if they were to continue to run with trained staff and not volunteers. Very upsetting In general I agree with proposals for county libraries Rubbish - please keep our books in Newmarket Brilliant staff Perhaps combine the above services with pub or at least light cafe access so that the premises become a major destinaion for those who do not live in town centre - toilets essential unless public ones are close. Like everything the county council/government seems to be cutting everything back resulting in a poorer service for everyone, but council/government seems to still want people to pay more for this. The ideas do not make sense Very constructive having a very difficult economic climate I have read your leaflet and questionnaire and find it difficult to follow and almost impossible to understand. I think it is disgraceful with the lack of literacy in young people and the loneliness of the elderly to take away one of the major meeting points + services Good but i do not agree with handing the running of libraries to "community groups". Being a librarian is a skillful, specialised job and requires training AWFUL+ destructive - once gone never to return. This "consultation" should need less not more talking. Methinks if is a fair accomplice I think review and change is always a good thing but this change is quite sweeping and seems unnecessarily harsh. I think it is extremely unlikely that the library visitors of Saxmundham will travel to Woodbridge or Halesworth to use the library. We visit the library every Sunday in Saxmundham. The total length of trip is usually 30minutes to an hour. To travel to either of the above by train or car would timeconsuming and costly and impractical to accommodate children's meal times and toilet needs. We would either stop using the library or maybe long term consider moving to a library town. It is part of our lives and you would be taking an affordable and enriching part of our lives away. I think sliming down the library service is inevitable. Everything is being cut. However there are flaws in closing for example Elmswell library. People will have to use their cars to go to Stowmarket. Rail fares are extremely expensive and the bus is slow and both are infrequent. People will use their cars at a time when we are supposed to be using our cars less. Also the nearest library as the crow flies is Stowmarket. There is no parking at Stowmarket library so people just popping in to pick up preordered books will face a long trip while trying to find parking. Elmswell has a train station and bus route. Why not make people come from Stowmarket to Elmswell. There is parking there. If people must drive why not bring them to Elmswell? I feel the council must provide an environmentally friendly way for people to access library services. People do have computers at home so can access the online catalogue. But what about those elderly less mobile people who dont drive. They often do not have computers and like the pleasure of chatting to the library manager while picking out their books. Also how are they going to collect those books? It will be a sad day if Elmswell completely loses the library service. Times are hard at the moment. If the library is completely lost them when times get better, and they will, they always do, it will be harder to reopen closed libraries than to revitalise dimished services. Please keep Elmswell Library going.

It is a good idea, but in practice this means a loss of community spirit to those areas losing libraries. I have always felt that the library is the heart of the community and the main place to learn and gain knowledge of local events. Dreadful - they offer community cohesion and a focal point As with everything times change and we must progress but the needs of the public need to be taken into account, borrowing a couple of books for a week give rest and pleasure for the sick and elderly It would be better to maintain fewer libraries successfully for the long term, as you are suggesting, than to try to keep them all going and lose teh lot. I think the plan as outlined makes good sense. Other councils in no better position to run library service because cutting costs. Large businesses more appropriate. I would be strongly against a postal book service. The good thing about having a library in a building is that you can borrow books and staff are on hand for advice (I dont live in Suffolk, I just visit Newmarket sometimes to do some research in the racing room of the library. My ideas are just for libraries in general across the county) No Much, needs more imagination Very sad - its so important to access books easily. Seems like the NHS, state of the county The onus of responsibility for those who manage the new approach, whether as a body or lay an individual manager will be stressful and may not produce a service which is value for the new money involved. You should not even be considering getting someone else to run libraries. The current provision is admirable but I expect the librarians could do with more money for book purchase. I answer these questions because I am a reader who has derived such enjoyment from literature. I was an English teacher and if anyone is concerned about reading levels, the last thing you should be thinking of doing is closing libraries! According to a recent survey it is young people who use libraries most. So you would close this window of opportunity!! i think its a brillant service now and its run very well . because the members of staff are very polite and treat teenagers as equals and there are also a wide range of activities that young teenagers can attend there are also other acctivities for different people to attend. You cannot run a service like this for free. It is a government duty to invest in the community and culture An erosion of cultural bedrock which would never be reversed. Other local counties seem to be coping better with library services. Libraries ,especially in rural areas , provide a very important function -both educational [especially for the young ], recreational and social. I am unclear how 'divestment' [?privatisation] will actually maintain or improve the service. Clearly a centralised approach for the purchase of books etc, to ensure that the libraries remain up to date and attrractive will produce economy of scale, as will the provision of centralised ICT. If however a profit making organisation takes over these services, the profit has to come from somewhere, which means higher end user cost unless existing costs are driven down. The geographical spread of libraries seems right, but more needs to be done for rural communities in the develpment towards e'books and downloads. I am totally opposed to the closures. there seems to be no long-range planning here; rather a kneejerk reaction to the Govt's proposed national cuts in council funding. Disgraceful. How dare you try & justify shutting a well used & valuable asset to all ages, abilities & cultures. I understand the need to cut costs. I would rather see hours reduced rather than complete closure as this would be devastating to a lot of people in Eye. I and my children adore the library and use it at least 3 times a week. I am sure there are lots of innovative ideas which can help keep Eye library a continuing important hub of our community. Sad! If cuts are needed the council should be genuinly open to suggestions & more positive. It is

generally thought that closure is a forgone conclusion. Will not be happy if needham Market library closes altogether as it is used by all ages. Personally I will not be going to Stowmarket so this will create a big void in my life as I read every evening. Keep them as they are They should be kept as they are - already run by minimum staff - could not be more efficient. They are unacceptable you have a duty to provide these services. You should not expect volunteers to do so. As our library is on the list to be closed I am not able to comment. It does seem that Newmarket has already been included in the list where the Library should continue to operate. We hope this proves to be the case as it is an essential service for the a wideranging community. How your proposals would be practical (without reducing the service) is hard to follow. Completely misconceived Far too many small libraries under threat of closure. Generally good but a lot more could be done to reduce costs. E.G. remove CD's /DVD's from the service,close Sundays/Mondays & open all day Wednesdays. Not On! All libraries that are well used should stay, the only change being, they should be staffed by volunteers UNDER 2 proffesionals. I think it the overall proposals devalue a service that has prided itself on its socially inclusive work with all sections of communities, its excellent book stock, the flexibility of its opening hours, and the huge investment in staff training. My sympathy is with the library staff and library users. I would like them to stay the SAME as they are. I would not have time to go further afield to borrow books. It is a constant and invaluable resource for the children, and they have grown up to love books because of the wonderful service provided by Stradbroke Library. ditto What do I think? I am so upset and really angry at these proposals, when local and County councils have in the past wasted money hand over fist. Once these proposed cuts are made the local library will cease to exist. they are a disgrace. scadalous.......you should be ashamed of yourselves................I hope the decision haunts you all I cannot imagine a worst proposal The Victorians founded our British Public Library Service. If they could afford it, surely we can? I know of no other public service which touches so many lives as a force for good on such a modest outlay. All communities NEED libraries would rather see reduction on expenditure across the board rathe rthan closure of any but those which are not used a lot. I think the overall ideas are good but am concerned that the smaller communities who already suffer from lack of ameneties, do not suffer the loss of this important free service. However I think the ideas as to how smaller, 'country' libraries could be helped to stay open are very good if backed by the local community. Must not be associated withcommercial interests e.g. supermarkets. Ambience ruined. It must be a civic building, mutually owned with a right of access to all. You seem to be trying to answer the question "What use is a library" & "What can it do?" You might as well ask what is the use of a newly born baby Sad but good over all. Leave our libraries alone - many people need and use them - a shame on all those who are trying to take away yet another wonderful reading establishment for all. See (6) above ok

Poor. I read recently that some services would be shared with Norfolk. Perhaps the council needs to consult both Norfolk and Essex, who have reduced their budget without closing libraries. Ok. The library at gainsborough is great and it should stay but my ideas about saving money are good I'm happy with anything that will keep Great Cornard library open Some of the community libraries need to be saved. There are many people in the community who can help set up charities and social enterprises and assist libraries in obtaining grants and trusts for their services and community projects. I think it is appalling. I certainly think that people would prefer to retain their libraries in whatever reduced form this may take, rather than have any closed. As is depressingly usual, the answer to poor management of public services is to cut the service instead of improving the management. As an example of poor management (and I include my own in this) I have sat in meetings, as a Headteacher representing my school (now retired), alongside library reps, while we all waste our time completely discussing this and that Government initiative. All those present have to learn to refuse to attend any meeting that takes us away from our key responsibilities unless cast iron, useful, outcomes can be guaranteed. No-one should stay at a meeting that is proving to be a waste of time. What the combined salary cost of all the attendees of some of these meetings must have been, I cannot even imagine. I think the overall proposals to cease to fund libraries, where they are not taken over by community organisations, is extremely misguided and I am appalled and shocked at what is happening. Libraries provide an excellent service to the communities they serve and staff have worked extremely hard to deliver first-rate services. The customers are coming in the library and I would say that without exception they are against these proposals and they are expressing their anger, sadness and disgust. Glemsford Library has approximately 200 people coming in every week, and these are people who pay their council tax and expect the library service to continue to meet their needs. Many of these customers are vulnerable in some way and many of them would be unable to go to the bigger towns like Sudbury. We have people who come on their disability scooters or who manage to walk the short distance to the library. One lady travels to the library by bus, and walks back, and is thrilled that she can still manage to do that. I have an autistic girl of 19, who probably doesn't have any friends of her own age, and her mother died last year. She spends hours in the library interacting with staff and customers, using the computer and participating in children's activities. One lady is in the early stages of Alzheimer, and I can see week-by-week the deterioration in her memory and I can see her distress. I help her in so many ways so that she can still enjoy reading and I am able to make sure that she doesn't incur fines. There are mothers coming in with young families and they spend time in the library reading to their children, and there are families coming in on Sundays getting involved with the crafts or the reading game. There are two Top Time reading groups. There is a mother with a little boy who has Downs Syndrome. Wasn't this what the "Suffolk Story" was about people like these? In view of the National financial restaints imposed on all areas, it is obvious that re-organisation is essential if we are to keep one of our great social assets. I am horrified. I like the Ideas of postal service pick up and return services.. often quite difficult. Mobile service could not replace community libraries unless they were in villages more than once a week.. get more then two families and I believe they would be full. For children the experience of going to a place fill of knowledge and full that is part of the community that must be respected is more than just a library it fulfils more than one of the Every Child Matters targets for children. I am sure the same could be said of other people. The central town libraries I can only comment on BSE, Stowmarket and Ipswich are very difficult to get to quickly and all involve a cost of parking. A walk or bike ride to a local village library is much more of a experience. If a cup of coffee could be bought there I am sure many would.

n/a I think the overall proposals could provide an excellent opportunity to make libraries the hub of our communities again. very good because it keeps some young peopleof the streets. and also because we can get free internet to use. i think gainsborugh because you have clubs for the children and young children, you also get 2 hours free plsu you can purchese more hours on the computer. you can get up to 20 books free. i think if we didnt have Gainborugh library i would'nt be able to connect with my friends and communicate with people, i also would be sitting at home doing nothing. i think that gainsborough library is good because you can get free internet, you can take out books,go on trips, they have club for teens here as well where we can just go and hang out and play games and stuff. if gainsborough library wasn't there i would just be at home for most of my time. I hate to see local village libraries on the lists to be shut, Village life is hard enough for both age groups at either end of the scale. the young have nothing to do, and the older group can not often have acess to transport to a bigger library Don't like the idea of closures! NOT outsourcing Disgusting - Libraries are important for the community, encouraging literacy in all ages and the ability to access the internet for people who may not have this at home. I think reducing qualified staff and replacing them with volunteers is an appalling idea. I think cutting funding to the library service at all is an atrocious suggestion and a further slap in the face to the people of this county and to those in education particularly. I think libraries are under-rated in terms of their value as central information, meeting and entertainment (yes, reading books is entertaining) points, in a county which has a large rural population and often few local facilities. I think immediate cuts should be directed elsewhere, and the library service, if it needs to be more self-sustaining, must be given the time and support (including initial financial support) to generate its own funds, rather than being decimated in the ways proposed. I think that a cost benefits analysis would look at where the library brings economic benefits particulalry to small businesses and independent shops. The library in Halesworth was built to be at the heart of the community. Loss of it would have a major impact on the local economy I think that you are doing your best in a bad situation but my belief is that it is a retrograde step and that the changes would mean a drop in the high standards we have come to expect from our library service. The changes proposed have no ethical, political or practical justification. not a lot Absolutely absurd. I feel cheated that I voted for the current councillors and now they are attempting to deny a valuable facility for my family. Plus my children will now be in more danger crossing the road to school now that they have taken away our lollypop lady. We have paid our money and expect a service - not to bankroll iniquitous salaries for individuals with no ounce of decency or shame. I can not believe I have been asked to comment. As far as I am concerned, libraries are essential and before this survey I had thought that all people had the right to public library services. It seems beyond belief that Suffolk council is considering shutting the libraries rather than reviewing the salaries of highly paid council executives - if they were responsible councillors they would be offering to take significants pay cuts in order to maintain essential services, already paid for by the electorate, in the first instance. This simply is not the case - and it does seem such councillors are more interested in keeping their pay rather than doing their job and serving their people to the best. I beleive closing libraries is a very bad idea. Oftentimes, libraries are theh ONLY support many people have for literary support as well as socail support.

This is a sad day for our community. Libraries could have been the glue to hold together a "big society" - instead they will become increasingly peripheral. This is despite their historic willingness to embrace change, as seen in their embracing of new technologies, their increasing role as a social hub, and their important role as deliverers of lifelong learning. I think it is too savage on the cuts. I appreciate that there are financial constraints and that cuts are in inentable, however I feel that Newmarket does need a lot of facilities adn feel strongly that we should retain our library. To close 29 out of 44 libraries is monstrous. This is approximately 60% . The ideas you have proposed will take us straight back to the 1940s when the only public libraries available were in the large towns; smaller communities relied on mobile vans if they were lucky or on the local shops who were willing to lend out books for a few pennies [old money] a week. Is this the future as the council envisages it? It will not, however be a few pence that the sevice will cost. Also your easy dismissal of the essential services provided by QUALIFIED staff, implying that their tasks can be taken on by volunteers suggests an alignment with David Cameron`s BIG SOCIETY in which the public will first pay for sevices and then provide them, themselves, free of charge. Re your page Doing things differently in Suffolk - Capel Library already fulfils these catergories with regard to the community - the Library room is/has been used for many different activities over its existence. The village Hall complex, shopping centre and doctors' surgery can most definitely be described as a community Hub - what more do you want? I am not too sure whqat they are. Rubbish. Short sighted. Needham market planners at MSDC for example, are expected to approve plans for house building of approximately 1000 units in the next few years. The demand for library and youth services will increase by approximately 25% in that time frame. With increase in fuel, low income families will be more dependent on local provision of services. with the likely reduction or withdrawal of bus passes, the low income, state pension, library dependent older person will become more isolated within a community with poor provision of services that improve social contact and reduce loneliness and exclusion. I dont know what they are Library services are a good meeting place and the books available are invaluable. It will be a great loss to many people who work and for those who use the library to access books/cds/dvds etc Ok. I am not aware about the county promoting this consultation outside of the Library premises or online. We need to reach out to as many people as possible to ensure that our libraries remain open and do not close due to lack of funds. I can understand the need to reduce costs, however I strongly feel that once a library is closed, it is gone for good, therefore if there is a way to keep them open but reduce costs through reduced opening hours, increase in late fees, delay replacing stocks etc, perhaps this could see us through until the financial situation improves. It would be such a waste of public money if, for example, Gainsborough library were to close after such a recent brand new building has been paid for. 1. Ill informed. NO Needs assessments, NO reliable data to make decisions on, NO evidence of having put ANY REAL AND MEANINGFUL EFFORT into understanding the individual needs of this community. 2. I have been following this situation through a large number of sources of information, and have come to the conclusion that SCC are either blood-curdlingly uncaring or breathtakingly inept. Either way the impression given by SCC is that they haven't really done much research as it's just a paper exercise. Pile the numbers up, get a figure together that matches the overspend from the care budget, then let individual communities flail about begging for money and stating their case. Saves SCC the effort of finding out I suppose... 3. I think this is an ideological washing the councils hands of service delivery. Plain and simple. Seriously, no one I have met inside and outside Suffolk believes the tosh batted about and oft repeated by SCC, that SCC has no choice in the matter. To be frank, at best you have a PR disaster on your hands...

Not a lot. They are very bureaucratic and stifled by lack of intrepreneural and inspiring ideas. A reduction in service and hours for Beccles libraray would be a crime. The staff are fantastic and all the services offered are great too. Beccles library are keen to link up with the local community - for instance Butterflies children's centre. Numerous local groups use the library. please dont take away a vital community resource - the people of beccles deserve a first class facility and service - not a part time reduced service or even worse no service at all. Rubbish, like the Council who have rubber stamped these options. Silly suffolk is an apt description of the council's approach. Ever wondered how Essex are protecting their service? Understand the problem but it is to be hoped a less radical closure program can be achieved through this consultation process. Frankly, I think that the proposals will lead to closure of many libraries - some immediately in 2012 and others more slowly, as it becomes apparent how difficult it is to engage and manage volunteers prepared to commit the amount of time and energy required to run libraries. Those libraries that survive will be in those communities with the time and resources to run them, not necessarily those that need them most. The spec for running a library allows for very little decision-making at community level, beyond setting opening hours and it is difficult to see where the funding will come from in the current economic climate. I fear that the definition of "comprehensive and efficient" will be sorely tested in Suffolk Need always to assess priorities of service to community. Rubbish - to compare rural libraries with town libraries is ridiculous. I think it would be very difficult to mantain comunity libra I think that somebody has tried to make the best of a bad job and done some good research to support a decision taken at a higher level, but at a time when fuel and transport costs are increasing rapidly the economics of keeping good resources like these local becomes more important than ever. Very good - Please keep our library open in Halesworth - it is the hub of the community for all ages I don't think closing a library in Stradbroke is an option that should be considered.We need the library for the well being of our elderly residents and the young need it to encourage their reading skills and develop their enquiring minds for the future. i pay my council tax for the use of the library and if that goes then i want a reduced council tax bill. but i donot want the library to shut as i would have no where to go in using a computer. Libraries are the base for the intellectual tone of the nation NOT a frill. Shutting libraries may be a short term way of saving money but will cost both financially & intellectually in the long term. (1) Use voluntaries under professional staff. (2) Involve schools & other council owned properties so that library facilities are available to all. (3) Link Norfolk & Suffolk. (4) Use the best as a template for others to study & using modern techniques link staff so ideaas can be exchanged. (5) THINK LONG TERM - if it's not broke etc. 2nd class. Seems adequate See my notes on section one. Disastrous. I do not approve of them! See (6) above. Mainly good if they can maintain the support Bungay library attracts . Nonsense - as in 4 & 6. I am in agreement with them. Some are very innovative others would hurt the communities they serve. A good middle of the road solution encompassing the need to save and streamline but allow easy access to library services for

all of the populance at least some of the time would be acceptable and I think it can be found. Very careful thought should be given not to rush into cutting back the library service in a draconian manner; combine severe cuts with the probability of cuts in the rural bus service, along with cutbacks in the bus-pass system for the over 60's, and you may find your elderly population becoming more & more side-lined and even, possibly, losing the will to live if they cannot keep in contact with the greater outside world and its interests even through, say distant county libraries. I AM NOT JOKING!! Politically driven. So far your proposals are all essentially money orientated, not quality orientated. Details of "how" are scant and misinformation about way forward is unhelpful. Public feel there is another agenda which they and staff are not party to. 'Wheeler Dealing' is suggested by info received to date. It is dreadful to expect children and elderly citizens to travel to Woodbridge to access a library. Many people use Aldeburgh's library to access computers to find work. Surely this is vital to the economic lifeblood of the community. I use the library to help my daughter's literacy, because the schools (30 to a class) can't teach her to read. A good use of the library and a help to society. No? I think your proposals to close so many libraries are very wrong. Some might warrant closing but not 29 & is essential for lots of reasons to keep them open. I think they are enterprising and forward thinking and I fully support them. See attached letter. I have typed my thoughts and ideas out here so that I have more space to elaborate on what I want to say. Section One: The Future of the library service 1. What library services do you want in future for your community? Please refer to the consultation document for information. I would like to see the following library services in my community: 1. A cafe and meeting space. 2. Conference facilities for hire. 3. Health visitor clinics for children and the elderly 4. A shop, selling similar products to a museum shop. 5. Advice clinics that give financial advice, consumer advice, etc. 6. Charging for internet access and some children's groups, i.e. craft workshops Section Two: Your idea/interest 2. Which library or libraries, mobile library service or stop does your idea or interest relate to? Beccles Library 3. N/A 4. How will your idea or interest generate changes or significant efficiencies in the way the library operates to reduce what the county council pays by a minimum of 30%? 1. A cafe and meeting space would encourage people into the library. They would spend money in a cafe and may use the other facilities available. 2. If the library has a space it could modify into a conference facility it could charge businesses to use those facilities and create revenue. 3. Health visitors clinics for children and the elderly would provide another vital service for the community 4. A shop that sells similar products to a museum shop, as well as education aids and books would create revenue and bring people into the library who moght not normally visit. 5. Weekly advice clinics would be very useful for the community. Financial and consumer advice would be very useful. 6. People may be prepared to pay a competitive rate for use of the internet and the arts and crafts workshops that are fun for children. All of the above would create a buzz and help to maintain the wonderful sense of community spirit that our library has. On a personal note, I would like to explain how important the library is to me. When I first came to Beccles 4 years ago I didn;t know anybody. I didn't have access to the internet and used the computers at the library extensively to orientate myself to the area, find out what was going on and stay in touch with people. I gave birth to my son shortly afterwards and the facilities that the library provides for mums and children are fantastic. and wrer quite frankly a life saver at the beginning. We attended baby bounce and tot rock groups and I now bring my son to the library every Sunday to participate in the craft workshop,and we visit the library at leats once a week to borrow books and havesome quiet time reading together in a wonderful environment. I have met many other mums at teh library and some are now good friends. I would also like to comment on how firendly, welcoming and efficient the librarians are. They are also very tolerant of my son and other children making lots of noise and running around which means parents can relax and enjotheir time at the library too. If Beccles library is closed, the town will ose a vibrant and vital communtiy service that makes it such a

wonderful place to live. Th library really is the beating heart at teh centre of Beccles life and the repercussions of closing it will be felt by many people who live in the are. Please see the consultation sheet for my other answers. From: *********

See above. I THINK IT IS ENEVITABLE THAT COMMUNITY LIBRARIES WILL NO LONGER BE AFFORDABLE BUT THE COUNTY LIBRARIES MUST BE PROTECTED. As an organisation, we have no view See attached letter. Dear Councillor Judy Terry The Future of Suffolk Libraries I am writing to express my concern about the future of our local libraries. Reading, from a young age, is such an important part of the development of language and communication skilss and it stetches nad exercises our imaginations. Purchasing books on a scale required to fuel young (and older) minds would not be possible for people on low or average incomes. Having access to reference books on a myriad of topics is equally important and being able to seek advice and guidance form qualified library staff is a precious resource that we are in grave danger of loosing if we allow our libraries to be staffed by amateurs ( no matter how enthusiastic or well meaning). This is what I envisage happening if you allow some of the ideas you mention in your document, 'Have Your Say on the Future of Suffolk Libraries'. I feel there is a real possibility of the book being an obselete antique if we are not very careful. With the internet, e books, 'kindles' and the preference, exercised by a large number of children, for watching DVDs or playing computer games, the book, as we know it, could be a thing of the past. Some people may think this is a natural progression of technology but there are still vast numbers of people who do not have computers, cannot afford kindles and whose one pleasure left in life is to escape into a book. The educational value of liabraries cannot be underestimated. I recently studied for a qualification for work but could not afford the text books required, neither did my employer provide them. Without my local library I would not have had access to these books and would probably have failed my course. I cannot praise too highly the staff and facilities at Beccles Library and it would be a huge loss to the local community if it were to close or be run by volunteers. The scale of library purchasing would be affected as would access to the vast catalogue of books available across the county. Libraries are the largest purchasers of books and if libraries were run on an individual basis this economy of scale would be lost. In answer to the questions you ask - here are my thoughts:- I would not prefer a book postal service or pick up and return service in a pub or cafe. The reason being is that there would be no access to

experienced, qualified librarian. The mobile service is a life-line to people who cannot travel to the community libraries so I would not like those to be stopped. Neither would I like to see the mobile library replacing community libraries. By visiting a library you have social contact, a chance to explore and leaf through books to see if they are what you want or need; you have access to reference books and maps and you would not get the bredth of choice that you get from a static library. Finally a lot of money has been spent updating and modernising Suffolk libraries and it would be a shameful waste if they were then closed down. Invite other services in to share the facilities and costs but DO NOT CLOSE OUR LIBRARIES> Yours sincerely *************

It is a disgrace to think of shutting down the library. It is a great boom to the elderly who do not use computers and a benefit to the young to introduce them to loving books. Are we to become a 3rd world country? It loooks like it at the moment. It would be better to have libraries in a lot of locations with restricted hours rather than close libraries and ask people to travel further. Absolutley discgraaceful I think they show a complete disregard for any cultural or educational facilities which should be available in a civilised country. I think the cuts will hurt the elderly and damage young learning in babies, toddlers and children. Please keep the services the same. I think it is a shame for any libraries to completely shut. I think reduced hours would help cut down the costs and perhaps invite more people to volunteer a few hours per week in order to continue to service. Fair. I regret any shrinkage of the present service the expertise of qualified librarians in information retrevial is very valuable I could not afford to buy all the books I read. As stated in sections 4 & 6. Not a lot. It is an easy way to cut your costs. Andrea Hill do your job, earn your incredibly high wages, get your thinking cap on and think. You say you are worth the wages paid to you. At the moment I think most of Suffolk would disagree with you. I understand you have to make cuts, no one is disputing that, but did you really think you could endanger all the rural services without some sort of comeback? Think again. I oppose closure of the library. It provides an essential service to the community and is well used. TOTALLY DISAGREE. The proposed Cuts do seem extreme. Any service will be anxious to avaoid cuts but where there is an actual building specifically set up as a Library it does seem a pity to lose it as it would be unlikely to start up again. Other services, equally valuable & not looking to be cut might be easier to set up from scratch later on. See above

O.K. Sensible Very worrying. Communities like Southwold need their libraries. If not enough people use them, we should encourage people to visit, not close them. I believe it is a moral issue about access to education. Understand the need to save money but do not believe that volunteers can provide an adequate service - who will pay for repairs, maintenance heating etc? While I deeply regret curtailing the Library Service, I recognise that present financial restraints make it imperative to consider new ways of providing the service to scattered rural communities. This is one way of doing so, and I commend it for your consideration. There seems to be more concerns about money and less on personal service. I think it is very important for the libraries not to be given to organisations on a contractual basis, because it means that they are unlikely to take a long term view of the library in question. I cannot support the closure of libraries I don't think any libraries should be closed. They are a very important resource for all the obvious reasons. Limit opening times or find some other way but please do not close libraries. Future generations will seriously miss out on such a wonderful resource. I think more thought should go into different ways to keep the libraries open, but reduce the services. The county dependence for funds has to stop and the library should set its own future. The library managment should think about how it would have run if there was no county council support may be by selling services, charging monthly membership fee, entertainment programs for children, movies, may be sending books via post (this will save costs of keeping books on site and free up space for utilisation for chargeable services the unacceptable face of Tory/Liberal capitalist cronyism I understand that services have to be cut but hope that smaller communities won't miss out Generally very positive It's obvious that Suffolk doesn''t value the Library services that they offer to the tax payers. It's funny that Norfolk system doesn't plan to close any of their branches. They may cut some costs and reduce hours, but they are going to be open as usual because they Norfolk residents are more valued. It is very third world to talk about closing libraries. Think out of the box! I think Judy Terry is either naive or offensive in calling these changes exciting and a revolution. I also think it s appalling that the initiative is shifted onto users to come up with solutions and that if the proposals are disappointing funding will be abruptly and unjustly cut. I propose that councillors who are unwilling to do the job we pay them to do either resign or give a pro rata part of the salary to the public they re now asking to do their work. This isn t enough time for people to come together and talk over ideas and present viable proposals. The council needs to be more proactive, helpful and committed to the public it serves. I d urge the council to arrange a meeting for the public, librarians and councillors. Very poor and short sighted I think it would be a disaster to close Framlingham Library; a vibrant town which has a Primary and a Secondary school as well as a College. It caters for all age groups, from school holiday education and amusement through to adult writing classes and many other interests in between. I personally borrow books on a regular basis. [one or two per month] as well as DVDs/videos and CDs. There is excellent access to the Internet available for those who do not have a home computer, with the friendly library staff always on hand to give any assistance required. I consider it a necessary asset to the town.

I do not feel any library should be shut. The governments are doing too much shut it down to save money too quickly rather than looking at how to raise 30% capital, it's ridiculous. Concerned. This feels like decisions have been made and this is a consultation on managing the fallout, to share with public the accountability of the consequences of changing the library service. Not much. Libraries need to be provided by the county council as part of the provision for life long learning. They need to be staffed by trained, and paid personnel, not local volunteers Pathetic. Neither Essex or Norfolk are proposing to make the drastic cuts in Library provision that you are proposing Not sufficient thought has been given to the closure of community libaries which are used by all ages from toddlers, school children, students, adults and pensioners. To deprive the whole community from easyaccess to books computers and social communication is a degregrade step. The council has a statutory obligation to provide a library service and we do not feel that by undertaking these changes that the council will be fulfilling this. We feel that propsals are unrealistic and libraries should be kept as a public service run by the council I think it is appalling. They are an abrogation of the County Council's responsibilities. thare is a better way of saving money reduce council staff salary or freeze them Not very inspiring - other services could be moved in if space allowed & mobile libraries could be extended Absolutely disgusted that this vital service to local people cannot be funded out of our already expensive local rates. I strongly feel, as said before, that libraries should say in the ownership of the council because I fear that once they have been tendered out to any other organisations, even social enterprises or communities running their own libraries, that the council will never get full ownership again, meaning that some rules will not apply (such as open access etc.) I want the libraries to continue to be run by Suffolk County Council, staffed by professional librarians and funded through Council Tax. If the current level of service cannot be funded through Council Tax then a voluntary donation system should be set up to allow library users to choose to financially support their local libraries. The proposed cuts will disproportionately affect the poorest sections of our community. Ready and relatively easy access to libraries, and all of the services they offer, is essential for those on low incomes or those who are less mobile if we genuinely want to provide equality of opportunity for all. To lose or reduce our library services would be a seriously retrograde step which I believe should be avoided. I'm glad your consulting with the public rather than just shutting libraries! I couldn't say whether divestiture is the right model for the library system, though, as I don't know enough to give an informed opinion. I'm just an enthusiastic user of the local library (along with my son and my book group members) and desperately want to keep it open. Appalling. Are good, but there are ways to get some more funds in like offering cafe facilities but also consider chargign pensioners more and those who can affordd to pay for some items to help bring in some more income to cover for those who can;t. Good As long as a reasonable service is maintained, especially important now for people to use the internet to look for jobs and sometimes homes. I found my current rented flat on a library computer. It was invaluable. drastic I think they will have a detrimental effect to the education and enjoyment of all. Appalling. If they are not broke why fix them!

do not agree with them, libraries are an easy target and produce no profit for their ownwer/ operators Reasoning understandable 1. Could a basic post office service be offered? 2. Voluntary help from other organisations eg WI to hold extra curricula classes within? its absolutley disgusting and ridiculous that your proposing to close our local library.the goverment should save money elsewhere and not on the things we need and rely on in a big village like ours I don't agree with volenteers runing the library. because this could cut back opening hours, people don't relise just how much work is involved, (volenteers) and there could be some issues with dealing with the public I think I have answered this overleaf. The town, city or commuity library is a vital part of life & no outside provider can replace the excellent system which has evolved over decades & modified its services to meet the needs of a changing society. Any cuts to the current library situation will dramatically affect children's literacy, this idea is lunacy as it will cost far more in teachers at schools and we will have a future generation of unread adults. Cuts may be inevitable - but cannot we afford an alternative (e.g. street lyting) I think its a ridiculous idea! The service will suffer as too will the staff and the whole community, for whom it is a vital service. I am happy that Felixstowe is listed as any other library means travel costs will be carried. As above (b) They have been put together, perhaps hastily, in response to central government pressure for economies. Rubbish Closure? Not acceptable. Rubbish if it is full closure then i think very wrong due to the fact id like to use the service you provide. 1000000000 out of 10 Disgraceful! It will take the services away from those who need them most - the elderly, those who live in rural areas, or who lack transport (particularly the less-well off financially), under-priveleged families who really need the service. No area should be without access to a Library. These are often used as information centres to tourists and meeting places for many local people. If we give up on Libraries we might as well give up on education and let everything dumb down to the lowest level. Is this what the Big society really means? Maybe an uneducated society would be dumb enough to work for peanuts Obviously disappointed that any cuts have to be made. I understand that there is a need to constantly change the service provided to get the most out of what the council needs to deliver, but the Council has many services to provide locally - as long as you have one building for people to go to, you can offer all that needs to be undertaken there. Why not use libraries as the community building and run services from there? You could easily offer baby massage at the library rather than the children's centre next door and weigh babies there rather than having a Children's centre next door. Be clever and utilise buildings more, rather than close them and loose forever. disappointing

It is a great pity that a library that is running smoothly and benefits such a large area of the population of Ipswich, and its hinterland, should be run as a 'charity'. Once a library service such as ours is dismantled, the chances are that it will never be the same again. Our Victorian ancestors fought hard and long to estabish such anincredble service. It has huge benefits for the elderly, particularly in so far as it has easy wheelchair access, and the young since it is very near two very popular green spaces (Broom Hill park and Sherrington Road Recreation Ground). Schools are always encouraging their youngsters to read in order to improve their reading age and love of books. Some children do not have access to books or the internet at home for various financial reasons. It is vital that they have a library service which they can use and further their education. Having a library as part of a pub for example, as has been suggested, is not to my mind wise or far-sighted. Books and information should be treasured and cared for in buildings which are adapted for the purpose, with dedicated and trained staff. In line, it seems with allthe other county/unitary councils in the country, you are going for an easy target it is sad that some areas may use their libraries but given ths current financial restraints on funds it is understandable hoever as a result we may loose library users in the future as the culture of going to the library with young children for all the activities offered would be lost and hence the loss of future generations of borrowers. Sad I think that this a short sighted approach. This library in particular, is close to the schools and many local children use it after school. This encourages reading by our young people. I think it is obvious what I think. The County Council should retain all the libraries and their staff - no question Dreadful. Why should only people who live in towns have easy access to libraries? This is neither fair nor reasonable. Cut opening hours across the board if you want to make savings, don't penalise people who live in villages. See 3, 4 and 6 above Libraries should not be closed down. This is cultural barbarism. I think that your proposals for the future of the library service are appalling . If they go ahead as it would appear that you intend , then the present service would be lost for ever and future generations who will look back at this decision which you are about to make with dismay at such a short sighted way to conduct Council business . They would never forgive you if you decimate the present library service . No too good. There is a gentleman in library who has bus timetables and is very helpful with his advice and information. There is no one else providing this service in the town. Als the library is a meeting place for talksetc by various organisations and art is displayed. Please save our library. Scandalous!!! Pffft! I dont agree with the overall proposals , cannot see how this would work Keep as it is Cut spending elsewhere. Libraries are important beyond measure for all ages Muddled probably not workable, too much emphasis on volunteers make a small charge for computer use, library essential for all ages, i use it all the time All local libraries should not go there, there for everyone Consider above library excellent as it is, wtih possible additions as proposed in section 3 Manning libraries with untrained volunteers is to fail to understand the skills and knowledge required to provide an effective library service. shameless. Councils need to protect core statutory services

Not much ayt all. I don't drive any more and Woodbridge is out of my reach. I regret any shrinkage of the present service. The expertise of qualified, experienced librarians and assistants in information retrieval is very valuable. I could not afford to buy all the books I read and refer to. Terrifying. Removing free access to books for a large proportion of the population of Suffolk is an appalling thought and will only worsen academic achievement for our young people (currently 49th out of 51 UK counties.) Not good! Villages are losing their bus services, and the journies to bigger libraries which will remain open will be costly - if indeed they can be made at all. This is discrimination against a large poulation of Suffolk residents. terrible Didn't really see that you had made any? I'd be interested to know how much this "consultation" cost, as its the least user-friendly I've ever come across - and I work in the public sector. I feel you will ruin a a very important sevice, that is much needed in rural area. We will not be short changed. Not very good really. The library service is one of the services which should benefit from the council tax. I think that we need a time of reduction not destruction. Expansion should be avoided in the present financial climate.(We had enough of costly hair-brained schemes nationally during the 14 years of Blair/Brown misrule) If we do not destroy our core now we then will be in a better position when times improve-as they surely will No opinion Try and be selective and do not hit the small places which have very little to do in them the Library is the main stay in small places I am not impressed by the suggestion that library services can be sub-contracted out - that will result in a much reduced service. I think it is a huge step backward to close any library. It makes england look like a 3rd world country. I would definately vote against any councilor who tried to close my library. I am appaled that this consultation document is so cleverly designed that it does not actually consult nor does it leave any room for coments against the proposals. Anything to keep library service here-It's the only council service we have providing entertainment of a sort Underneath all the ideas I feel there is still the possibly of libraries closing which will be a diabolical loss to local communities. You didn't think of the idea of combing services provided by the council in order to save costs before trying to turn over the services to inefficient voluntary labour. Some attempt should have been made to cut costs in the existing service before making such sweeping changes. Such as cutting opening hours, cutting down number of staff & brining in charges (see No. 4). This has been done in Norfolk. Our library is widely used by not only adults but a large number of children. The Primary School use it regularly and the library forms a key part in encouraging children to read from an early age and to love books. there has been much publicity about children leaving school hardly able to read or write, relying on computers. Closing down libraries will do nothing to alter this trend. If the worst happens and our library closes entirely we would have to travel to Stowmarket, a round trip of 30 miles, impossible for the elderly if the have no transport, and bus services are threatened, also young families. We are being told to use cars less for a greener county and fuel prices are constantly rising. A compromise is needed before drastic measures are taken. Lopping branches does not seem likely to save as much as is suggested as the basic infrastructure will still need to be in place for the few remaining branches. I wonder why Ipswich is being allocated 3 county libraries when others are being closed

Rubbish. How do you think I can travel miles to get a Library book. Please keep Leiston library for the local community. I fear the libraries are losing their purpose, and need to return to basics in this financial climate; small charges for the use of relatively expensive items will be acceptable - substantial charges will result in closure. If the `extra` items do not pay their way, they can go. I disagree the Libraries should be closed they are a community service that in a lot of areas especially like a very large village like Elmswell are a vital service that brings the whole community together whether meeting of toddlers or elderly people, mothers or use of the computers as no everyone can afford one within their homes and not everyone is able to travel to towns to get a book out. Rubbish. Keep Glemsford open. They are pathetic. You are taking education away from the villages - what happens to children and vulnerable or elderly library users who cant get into the towns due to the increased cost (and lack of) public transport. How can people access the internet if they do not own a computer without this essential service. The library service we have now is brilliant (although personally I would like to see longer opening hours in the evenings) - dont ruin what we already have. n/a See 1. above Fragmentation of the service is wrong, as would be the use of the private sector or councils outside of the county of Suffolk. to restrictive Frightening and upsetting, particularly if you are one of our older generation and from a 'hard up' background. These plans to possibly close MUST BE SCRAPPED! All libraries should remain as a vital service to the future development of the population of Suffolk. The Libraries Act states that each council needs to provide such a service. Travelling to county libraries is not convenient or as easily accessible as some may think. Keeping services local means less congestion and pollution and meets the needs of residents by staff building a rapport with users and providing a more personal, friendly, and supportive role. I THINK ALL LIBRARIES SHOULD REMAIN WHERE THEY ARE. I am alarmed by your proposals. A well run 'public' library service is the hall-mark of an advanced and civilised society. We should be proud of this tradition and do everything to maintain this. I do not agree that cuts 'must be made'. A cut in the payy of the Chief Executive would be a good starting point and then a refusal to make cuts would be supported by the majority of the residents of Suffolk. Dismal. Long Melford is a large village/small town. THE LIBRARY FACILITIES SHOULD NOT BE WITHDRAWN IN THIS VILLAGE. Any authority which intends to divest itself of a valued and socially inclusive information service is failing its council tax payers and its residents. Your proposals are not necessary in respect of the Libraries. I haven't seen them They diminish a valuable service which is part of our heritage. Libraries are essential to the wellbeing and cultural life of this county. Your proposals are a threat to this. To cut services is to lose customers and opportunities for raising funds. Clsoing branches would be the worst option for this reason.

Like most people, I'm am disappointed to see the demise of the service but recognise that the library service cannot be spared from cuts and must evolve. I think many communities will rise to the occasion and take over the running of the community libraries, tailoring them to meet local needs. Over the years the library services have expanded and perhaps a time to get back to the core business is to be welcomed. Although the initial intentions were commendable, the provision of free internet access has stopped in its tracks the development of commercial internet cafes as seen in other countries. The encouragement of people to join the information age is a good thing but now it seems that libraries offer a place for computer literate people to use free email ,face book etc. I think it is now time to start charging and possibly outsorcing the Ipswich Library operation. Socially disadvantaged people could always be offered special arrangements. I think Suffolk is right to look to the future and understand that Libraries will not remain as they currently are. In 20 years time they will be quite different with printed material very much less in evidence and the virtual library dominant. We are at the beginning of the ebook revolution and Suffolk with other authorities should be exploring whether a national system should be implement and operated through a local portal which adds local information As usual the rural communities suffer and those on low incomes in rural areas suffer the most. Will our Council Tax bills be reduced to cover our additional costs of having to travel around for services? I believe that Libraries can do more to attract revenue but must all stay open. Closing libraries is a very bad way to save money as it is tantamount to stealing from the children of the future. Poor that you have to close the smaller branches. If those remaining have improved opening times and increased parking facilities then that would be good. Whilst the consultation document has itemised what community libraries are expected to provide, it has failed to recognise that organisations need clear and open information on the financial burden they are expected to take on. This document is not a consultation on what local people feel should happen, but a directive that should communities not take over their libraries, then the service will be discontinued. There is no indication in this document how local communities can reduce the indirect costs at County Council level because there is insufficient information on the breakdown of individual costs. The library service is a valuable one for rural communies, it should not just be a privilege for those within easy reach of a County Library. We should be encouraging our children and families to use this service especially in an environment where we can not all afford to buy every book we are interested in and indeed from a 'green' point of view the borrowing of books is an ideal way to save potential resources and waste. I think it would be disasterous if people were denied the ability to the diverse range of books accessible at the library. I an studying with the OU and access a lot of my study material from my local library. I would wish to see as many libraries remain open as possible and would hope this couls be achieved by which ever means possible. I do not agree to changes this is a central meeting point and my 4 yr old grandaughter loves books because of the work done by staff Am not happy with overall proposals which will lead to a diminuition of the services that society and the public expect libraries to give Nonsense. We MUST keep our libraries, they've been a cornerstone of an educated society since 1852 and taking them away is tantamount to community vandalism a disastrous plan that will ruin a well run and supported local service that should be enhanced not reduced I don't know enough to comment I dont agree with them The proposals would be disastrous for a large proportion of the people who currently use the libraries, and would be yet another blow to the local communities (village pubs, post offices, shops,

all closing). Where is your sense of community value? It will be a great shame if we lose our village library but I would rather this service be cut than police, schools, hospitals. Along the right lines. The alternative approach would be to cut 30% of all the services. Too 'broad brush' appears too rigid in its application Your proposals sound like they come from the minds of people, who have not visited a library in the last ten years. Cuts must be made, everyone knows that. but as with all the counties cuts, I can't help thinking that a cut in salary of some at the top, would have an important impact. In a word - DESPICABLE. A new portfolio holder would hopefully see things through new eyes and not those of a lead pet! Considering the necessity for cutbacks this engagement with the community's ideas & suggestions is excellent. Cuts are forced by Central Govt. but are being implemented in the wrong areas. Central Govt should give more instruction and guidance as to what cuts should be made - change the law if necessary. Poorly thought out and the loss of libraries will be detrimental to building healthy communities. The only definitive proposals appear to relate to the closure of a specific number of branches. Comments on this as above. You have made no mention of the Music and Drama Library within your proposals so I assume you regard it as part of the reference section of the County library in Ipswich, which you propose to retain under the current proposals. I know that there is only so much money - but is there really no other way of cutting costs? It probably is the best solution in the present economic situation. you want to save money that is all well and good for SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCILS BENEFIT!!! the UK is still in recession/ citizens have not had pay raises/ nor oaps pension raises in the past 2 years. overall cost of living expenses have gone up i.e utility bills/ and food/ and necessities I use Leiston Library all the time for myself and my children for there DVD rental Books and internet. I would be lost without them and as I don't drive if you get rid of this library I may as well get rid of my card as there is no way I could get to Woodbridge. I think the idea of closing Leiston library is rubbish I think they should leave libraries alone, whats next? Our school system up on the open market? This government has made sure there is no such thing as a free meal for us yet they expect us to give up our time for free to save the libraries...how? When? I have to work two jobs just to stay afloat! Basically they can't be bothered to look into better long term ways of saving money so they are cutting free everything that doesn't make money for them, even in the 1970s and 80s crash libraries still lived on...even in WW2 they lived on, but not now apparently! I have reservations about the private sector running libraries, as it will expect/need it to be profitable. Community participation to reduce labour costs sounds feasible, and could involve youths I believe that cutting library services in a rural area where unemployment continues to rise is not a good measure. The council should be looking 'value added' ie. how best it can build on the existing service, not reduce it. I don't agree with any of the libraries - they are way too important. In times of hardship for people they will become even more important as families have't the money to spend on books and DVD's. Cut overhead staff costs and keep as many open as possible Some good ideas but essentially it is a service that cannot be lost in a civilised society surely. Disgusting keep them going they are needed by everybody They are misguided and I suspect are more driven by idealogical political motives than any reality of necessary cuts

I want libraries to continue as they have always been run I feel the libraries should stay open, but maybe users could pay an annual fee of say 20 to help with running costs. SHORT SIGHTED TO CLOSE ANY OF THEM - ADAPT - YES The closure of the library would affect so many people in Clare. Many are unable to travel to larger towns+ the service + staff fulfill a social + educational need in the area VERY MISGUIDED.YOU WILL LOSE FOR THE COMMUNITY A SERVICE WE TAX PAYERS HAVE BOUGHT AND PAID FOR OVER MANY DECADES TO SAVE WHAT WILL AMOUNT TO A SMALL SAVING AGAINST WHAT WE WILL LOSE. I am not 'au fait' with the overall proposals. I fully accept that money needs to be saved, but the library service has always been so good and it is difficult to trust and accept the county council's approach when they have been (and continue to be) so wasteful - why is Andrea Hill paid so much? Why did the county spend 4 on Leiston Middle school, knowing that school re-organisation was on the cards? Why did SCC spend so much on Leiston children's centre which is a set of dodgy portacabins well over 30 years old? Why is SCC employing a children's cenre area co-ordinator who lives in Birmingham? GET YOUR PRIORITIES RIGHT. You do not have the confidence of the public. As usual - SCC action is rushed through without proper qualitative considerations. I favour adaptation rather than radical change. Don't forget, change also costs a lot. After attending a meeting in the Capel St Mary Library on the evening of the 14 February 2011 it seems that there are too many unknowns to make a comment. The idea to close libraries will be a total disaster and detrimental to the education of future generations. A massive backward step! very disappointing.surely we need to be investing more not less I am not happy that the three key libraries in the area I live are no longer to be run by the county. High Suffolk in particular looks like it is going to be hit hardest, with proposed cuts in subsidies to rural buses this seems like a sentence of isolation to people living in this area which is already underprovided for in terms of opportunities. Not only will I find it hard to get to a library that is open during my working day. More importantly where will school age, or pre school aged children go? There is no way that we will be travelling for 30mins or more after a long day at school to access books (even though these are of the utmost importance for my children's education - and NO the internet doesn't come any where near providing the in depth reading material required. i think that the overall proposals are good as they offer flexibilty and the service will be good. i think that some libraries may be in need of renovation or extention but the current budget doesn't allow this. Libraries need to be open for books loans It would have been and is a suggestion I make. I like the idea of just (underlined) having a library not involved with pubs, shops ets. it is a place to look and think. These "startrite" nurseries are being fully funded. Who dont we lose 25% space and rent to them. A good income I believe. Generally good. Please do not close Ixworth Library Terrifying. I appreciate savings have to be made, but this is not the way to do it. The service should be protected as it is and the savings made from back office / management cuts etc. I am sure this would be achievable and sure staff could helped to pinpoint further savings. This government will be remembered for this slash and burn mentality, once the Libraries are gone they will never come back and the standard of reading/literacy in the country will fall even further. It is even more criminal considering that many schools now have no Library within them and therefore many children will never get the opportunity to visit one. I am fully expecting Bungay Library, the prime piece of property it is to be up for sale shortly. That would probably pay your Chief Executives wages for a year.

I think it's outrageous. We need libraries especially in isolated rural areas like the market towns of Suffolk. I understand that the County Council is under real pressure to cut costs, but I think Suffolk communities will suffer without their local libraries. Framlingham Library is a vital part of the community here from the parent and toddler sessions to older people's groups, or just everyday being a meeting place, often for lonely people. Even with access to a car I rarely visit Woodbridge, and never go to Ipswich. My children just wouldn't go the library. Currently we visit Framlingham library weekly. It's part of our live and provides a window into the rest of the world for my children. For older people and people with less money travel to the larger towns is more difficult. PLEASE DON'T CLOSE OUR LIBRARIES Halesworth and other small town libraries MUST be kept open. The need for the libary services is great. See (6) above Keep as now Keep as now Dire - this is a service we have always had but central admin which has grown significantly over past 10 years any closures will cause great hardship on community. Unacceptable. Cannot see where scheme is going- cannot be run by a buch of volunteers. It warrents proper premises with competent staff (even if smaller) "Unfocused" wait to see what the people that employ you want Not worthy of a mention I am sad to see cuts but it seems unavoidable in the current circumstances. However, I feel that once a library facility is closed it is very unlikely ever to open again. I can remember every library,and practically every book that I have read or discovered since I was three ( now 63) how are parents going to teach children to read and have the pleasure of discovering new subjects and hobbies and careers.If necessary cut down the hours ,use the premises for other activites or services but please do not deny us and future generations access to something so vitally important.The internet is not the same. Draconian. The government wanted costs cut without cutting front line services. This just proves that the bureaucrats are feathering their own nests at the expense of council tax payers. There is a squeeze on! It is a well developed service available for all - In a small place like Southwold, which is not so prosperous for all. The local library is where many children first come into contact with such a choice of books because they go there with their parents. For my husband and I, now retired it has become part of our lives, and if it closes we would not want to travel further afield. Many people feel the same as us which means that libraries that stay open will still not get more customers. The proposal to make drastic wholesale cuts is akin to slash and burn and is just ridiculous Theme is along sustainable lines. Appalling The library is an essential part of Felixstowe. It provides many people with an outlet where they can socialize and take part in the various activities offered by Felixstowe library in addition of course changing books. These include activities for all - Bookstart for the little ones, Sunday activities for children, help with school projects, computer assistance, genealogy, Top time, Reading Groups to name some of them. In addition the cafe has provided a lovely atmosphere for families to use when they visit to get books or attend an activity. The staff that are here are a big part of how successful the library is. Let's hope that they, together with what we have on offer here remains as unchanged as possible.

Felixstowe library is the hub of the town. It is a place where people come together - reading, attending various activities like Bookstart, Baby Bounce, Top Time, Book clubs, Computer sessions, Sunday activities, Genealogy. This is provided so well by the staff - so friendly, helpful. It is a pleasure to come to the library, where you are always greeted by a friendly staff member. In addition, there is the super cafe. Perhaps this could stay open for longer hours. The Sunday opening has been very welcome. It would be best if the library could just be run as is. Changes might be more things available for sale. Revenue could be obtained by slight increases for printing and photocopying. Computer use could have a small charge, which would generate some extra income. I want it to remain a local government property and interest, so it serves the community as it presently does as implied above i think any proposal to cut funding for the library service is ill thought out. It is also socially divisive and is taking a lifeline away from people who have otherwise for example no access to the internet (how will people 'bid' for social housing without this facility?) as well as for people who can ill afford to buy books The ground floor space at Newmarket library could be used for selling or community space at a rent which could bring in money. Unfortunately there are already plenty of empty shops in Newmarket. I would strongly resent curtailment of any of the services currently offered by Southwold Library. Appalling. 'Proposals' not an accurate description of decisions already taken. I'm not sure if I like the changes. Obviously I object to the closure of 16 libraries within Suffolk. Change is suppose to be for the better - moving forward not backwards. Not good. People + children need access to Books + Knowledge. You are looking at ways of doing what you have to do, save money. You are trying to involve the public rather that "imposition" so hopefully a suitable response will result in services that those who repsponded are happy with. Not a lot. Libraries are extremely important to various groups, which also helps foreign students who can meet the local community and ask questions. I would be very upset should this library close. I use it at least once a week & have my books ordered here. Potential providers must have an interest in the local community and in maintaining a quality service. Ill conceived and poorly planned. If you need to make 30% cuts then cut your cloth accordingly (reduce hours, headcount, and ask the community for support), but dont just "throw out the baby with the bath water" & expect the community to pick up the pieces ! I appreciate money needs to be saved but putting at risk facilities which are safe places for our children to visit to learn and develop their knowledge is not helping anyone in the long term! Unimaginative and short sighted. I'm saddened and dissapointed that libraries have been made an easy target. I understand that they may not generate revenue at the moment but firstly they are a 'service' which has greater benefit than just money and secondly I suggest that with better management they could become more cost effective. Standards in literacy are already slipping in school and amongst school leavers and I fear that the closure of libraries will only accelerate this. An inevitable decline in the cultural heritage of the UK's population. Extremely disappointing since limiting literature to the community will result in more ignorance and isolation for the vulnerable and low/fixed income members of our village. I agree with all ideas to perpetuate the service the libraries provide at present. I am not happy about them. Library services are so important to so many people. They provide a source of all sorts of valuable information besides entertainment from books, DVD's and CD's.

I think any reduction in the service that libraries provide is a backward step and one which will severely impact on the physical, social and mental health of Suffolk's residents. Libraries contribute to the social capital of an area. They provide necessary social networking services which many residents are still not able to access from their own homes such as internet etc. To cut them would be a travesty. See above They are poorly thought out: there are far more expensive services in Suffolk which can be cut without less impact on communities and greater savings I think it is shocking that this country has reached a point where it is considering cutting something as basic as the library service. It seems we can expect cuts in public transport so having a local library will be even more important. as someone that does not use the schools, never called on the police service, has had appalling 'service'from planning and pays extra for a brown bin, i have to say that the library is the only service for me of any worth. without it i could not complete my studies and would never had discovered so many places to travel to or new novelists to read. The local library must remian in some form or other so I broadly support the ideas to finds ways of it continuing to provide the excellent service it does now. NOT A LOT. YOU WILL BE TAKING A VALUABLE LIFE LINE FROM A LOT OF PEOPLE I understand that the county council only has a finite amount of money to provide all the services needed and that some cuts have to be made, but I would like to reiterate that I can't see that Westbourne library is viable to be run as a self funding community library. I think that the ideas are good but I think that it will be hard to find people prepared to take up these ideas due to lack of finances and time, I hope I am wrong! Apart from the closure I agree we all understand savings have to be made but surely this is going to far for the community. I'm worried. Very sad and disappointing Very unimpressed. The electorate have not been given sufficient time to prepare any rescue package. Once libraries are closed they will not reopen in the future. This is another sad example of the government escalating the decline of our civilised society. I think you are very wrong in contemplating closing any of them. You could hand over the running of the libraries to the staff who already work there. I'm sure they would rather a bit more of extra work rather than job losses. You could also just cut down on opening hours right across the board. Shutting libraries is very bad idea. I think it is a huge backward step to reduce any of the library services. They have improved significantlty over the past 10 years and provide a service that is acessible by the whole community. Good - more community involvement Bad - everything else. Specifically that some libraries may close, a crazy idea especially when you take into account that the Conservative government believe the educational system in this country is not working. Getting rid of libraries seems a fab way to make things worse rather than better! Specifically that community libraries are clearly likely to end up providing poorer services because of having to reduce costs. It is clear that in making savings that we will see services reduced in some way, shape of form given the costs on the website show that staffing accounts for a sizeable chunk of each libraries cost. Cost savings ultimately mean less opening hours or less professional staff. For all the potential improvements through better community involvement we are highly likely to find the equivalent reductions in other areas. We have wonderful libraries and staff, lets keep them P:S My boks take me where I can no longer go, I am an old lady I think they are interesting. Iwould like to think that closures could be avoided. Ilike the the idea to incorporate the small library into local businesses.

How can the proposals to cut libraries even be considered. Libraries were set up to educate people from all walks of life. Children can be introduced at an early age to the joy of libraries, educating them and getting them to enjoy books and the library environment. I've been an avid reader all my life, am from a family of book readers, introduced my children to libraries, one of whom has also become an avid reader and has enjoyed books, finding information for homework from local schools and using books from libraries in Suffolk and Norfolk to do her Degree. If the library shuts where would we go to get books, books in charity shops aren't cheap, well not that I could afford to buy for the amount I read. Libraries provide so much for everyone if they choose to use them. Our village/town would be worse off without the library - just another empty building and another service gone. Where could the elderly go to get books and lug them home. Please do not cut this service to Needham Market, it's a valuable asset to this quiet rural village/town. NO CUTS. No Conservative propaganda. Libraries are an essential feature of modern life, the computer access even more than the books. Ridiculous!! There are a high percentage of senior citizens and unemployed in the town and surrounding areas, centralising the service will be cost prohivitive, and with the potential loss of bus services almost impossible for some people to make the journey. I think that it is scandalous that there are any moves to close any libraries down especially when there is such a big downturn in the use of correct english language and in spelling that the government is supposed to be focused on. The local library service doesnt just supply books, they provide a social interaction between adults that would perhaps not have any other contact with the outside world, brings like minded people together and enables young people to go somewhere safe and warm at no cost to themselves and keeps them of the streets where anything could happen. Plus as our library is in a school the costs are minimal as the school use it as well The library is brilliant as it is. It is a great resource for the community, with its range of services. It works hard to get children involved in reading, and provides a wonderful service to adults too. I have used 5 different libraries over recent years, according to where I live/work, and Eye library is by far the best. It would be a great shame to lose this brilliant service (which is made even better by the people who run it). It would be very difficult for me to get to any other library, and I would hate to miss out on this valuable service, it makes a huge difference when you can go out and get a book on anything, whether it is to help you relax after working hard, or to learn more about something of interest, or to learn a new skill. The library is a vital part of this commuity and to take it away would be to cause an irreparable loss to the area. I want the library to stay as it is, I have used it for 15 years, as long as I have lived in the area. It has a lovely community spirit. It is important for people living in rural communities to be able to see, meet and chat with others when they may spend the majority of their lives on their own. It's also too far to go to Stowmarket, too expensive in petrol and because of that, it is also not green. See quesion Six. Not happy but savings have to be made Appalling. A disgrace. I think it is monstrous that libraries are being closed, or being given over to people who have no idea about the running of them or staffing them with qualified people. Education is supposedly important, don't you realise that efficiently libraries play a huge role in our villages. What happens to all the highly qualified library staff? What about all the villagers who can't get to a County Library through lack of transport or immobility, what about the youngsters studying for exams. i dont know I do not agree with the overall proposals of cutting funding to the library service. It is a fundamental service in any civilised country serving all ages in the community, especially young and older generations. The pre school groups provided are very important in stimulating interest in books, which is acknowledged by experts as being a major benefit to any child, especially those from deprived areas.

They are frightfully commercial and deal with books and information as though they are commodities LEAVE HERITAGE SURVIVING, AND STOP ASSASSINATION OF PEOPLES/PUBLICS RIGHTS YOU DESPOTS! I think a library service is essential. The government has noticed childre are starting p. school unable to recognise their alphabet or speak sentences, so it is vital that libraries are kept. I know you have monetary problems, but I think you have to think long term on these things, and keep a body of knowledge in the country or we'll all descend into ignoramuses. This plan s clearly dreamed up the same moron who opted keep Bury St Edmunds library in the most inaccessable place they possibly could- enough said ! Given you have to save 30% of your budget, they appear reasonable. Having said that I regard a library service as one of the fundimental services provided by any local authority. Please do not close Eye library - it is a valuable source of information for children and adults #NAME? Poor! If Norfolk can continue to provide a county-wide service why can not Suffolk do something similar? It would seem that Suffolk CC prefers to take a negative approach and abdicates its responsibilities relying on the goodwill of neighbourhoods to make its services work I find it utterly stupid to close a Library. More busy than the Library at Gainsborough, which don't do as well as Rosehill Library it's handy for old people. Who can not get into town very well do to age and getting out becase of walking problems and illness. I strongly disagree with the closure of any libraries it is part of the Leisure Service and encourages learning - Difficult to evaluate but once gone can never be replaced. I do not want this library to divest, I want it to remain in Suffolk County Council. I need this library as I am an O.A.P. - nearly 80 yrs. Have no transport of my own, and would find using Bury Library very difficult for me. We need to keep our libraries. * A step back in history. * Using volunteers to run Libraries is a joke! Very kind of them to offer their services, but Librarians are what the title entails, a qualified professional, as are teachers, doctors, dentists! *Don't take away our public service! Fair. Obviously it would be preferable if all remained open as at present but if savings have to be made it seems a reasonable proposition. However to close all libraries in the Saxmundham, Leiston, Aldeburgh triangle seems rather draconian. Rubbish. You are taking a very short-term view based upon your idea of saving money. In the process you are destroying an important element of our community. It's more than just a library! For many people, the library represents a friendly face and social setting where they can integrate with the community. While everyone can appreciate that in tough times, the Council needs to save money, perhaps the Council could axe some of the unnecessary red-tape and bureaucracy that fills our society, instead of targeting our valuable community rescources? i think it is unfair because young people who are unable to drive will not be able to quickly pop down to the library to get a book or do work on the computers.They would have to get on a half an hour bus journey(which aren't regular and are being cut) just to get a book out. I think closing Needham Market library, and making people travel to Ipswich or Stowmarket is a bad idea. Lots of people are elderly and to carry books and get on buses to travel to and from Needham is not a good idea. A lot of elderly people have given up driving and are on their own, and their only source of enjoyment and company is a good book and a good read. Needham is only open at certain times anyway, to close it altogether is a bad decision on someone's part and by someone who obviously does not live in the country. It is appalling to even think about closing any libraries at all.

Think the proposals for the library are services are unworkable and will end up costing more! Our libraries should remain as they are-efficiently run by people who know how! *********** With Particulare reference to EYE LIBRARY- ID IT AIN'T BROKE, DONT FIX IT. i think your consultation is a waste of time, as you have clearly decided already to cut the budget without talking to the public Wrong Culture is a signifier of a healthy society. I wonder just how healthy our society is. This is a retrograde step if libraries are to be swept away. I agree with the ideas for making as much use as possible of the county library buildings and resources - and expanding on these where appropriate. I think you need to think again and not pretend that you have our best interests at heart. Fairly reasonable. But I feel members should pay e.g. 20 year membership fee to join a library unless on benefits or children. People who do not use services sometimes resent paying for those who do! Or failing a membership fee a fee for every book borrowed 20p? Apart from dividing libraries into county and community categories no proposals have been made. The threat that community libraries will be closed if someone other than the county council doesn't come up with a plan to fund and run them is just that - a threat. You are actually asking for proposals - not making them. I would be interested to know the rights of someone who has to travel ten miles to a county library, given that the county council has a 'duty' to provide access. I would think reduction in hours might be necessary to save finances I think Leiston would be a poorer place without a library. Personally I would not want to drive to Woodbridge for books I have ordered or to browse. If more people have to use other libraries more money will need to be spent in the long term in order to provide the service efficiently for more people. I think it is good that you are trying to keep libraries open. I think it is important to appreciate the community element of libraries and that replacing the library with a system of borrowing and lending is will not produce the equivalent service. I think schemes that involve the community are a good idea although I would hope that should funding increase in the future that the council would be prepared to take over some of the responsibility for these services. Even if libraries have to be closed now, there should be the possibility that they could re-open in the future when the financial situation has eased. I would be prepared to act as a volunteer for a couple of hours a week. Frankly, they are disgraceful! But to ensure that those most in need do not go without these vital services, I'm prepared to get involved to help maintain them. Local provision is extremely important. For an ambitious child from a poor background or an ambitious immigrant, free access locall to library services is important. Researchers benefit from the excellent current provision for specialist texts Sad that books are disappearing from libraries and being replaced by machines. Too harsh. I don't know what your proposals are do I? Unhappy with future suggestions . EG Elmswell is custom built + well used by all ages. However the library is run. There must be some experienced staff. Stowmarket library is central to many people. Not Good Necessary but sad. Closures are a GREAT shame! We are about to spend lots of money on roads - is transport more important than a library? I believe that delegating the responsibility for the running of the Community Libraries to local parish councils is ideal - as long as criteria are established for ensuring that services are met for the local community in question.

OK VITAL TO GET WORD SPREAD IS THERE A FACE BOOK PAGE TO SAVE OUR LIBRARIES? WHAT IS YOUR TWITTER A/C??? JUST KEEP THEM OPEN Could be refined by the elimination of periferal facilities. ? You underestimate the essential value of community libraries to small towns. We need to keep our Community Library. To close Southwold Library would be devasting To the community - it is used by many older residents who cannot drive to other libraries. I cannot think southwold Library is costing Council an extreme amount of money! The whole idea of reducing what is already a slimmed down library service is shameful and has echoes of the Nazi Party burning books in the 1930s. Secondly the library service IS a front-line service and at the very most it's budget should only be reduced by 18% in line with Government Departments. Especially as library budgets (seen always) as a soft option, have been regularly plundered by councils in recent years. Libraries ARE an essential service and have been for over a hundred years now. Many people are virtually educated by them, certainly in my case. Bungay Library is run must efficiently and has met all the criteria which you have set down in the past few years, and the proposed reward for this efficiency is to downgrade the service provided to a pale shadow of its present excellent contribution to the community Many of the ideas simply wont work and mixing book lending with retailing never works well as they are two different markets and being a bookseller I should know. Volunteers: However willing some people will be pleased to play at being 'library assistants' there is no way that the necessary expertise, which exists at the present time, can be provided by such people. Also a service run on voluntarily grounds would need to be properly organized by professional anyway. "Has anyone seen the keys", "have the lavatories been cleaned" or "whose day off is it?" are all day to day practices of any organization. In the case of Bungay I believe that a local benefactor donated 150,000 to the project in order to get it set up in the first place. To dilute the service offered beyond a certain percentage would possibly flount the terms of the donation in the first place. IMPOSSIBLE TO COMMENT INTELLIGENTLY WHEN THE CASE FOR REDUCING FUNDING & CLOSING LIBRARIES HAS NOT BEEN ADEQUATELY PRESENTED. HOW HAS THE FIGURE OF 'GREATER THAN 30%' REFERRED TO ON PAGE 2 BEEN CALCULATED? HOW ARE MORE ESSENTIAL (& CLEARLY DELIBERATELY EMOTIVE) FRONT LINE SERVICES BEING PROTECTED. WE READ IN LOCAL PAPERS THAT THESE SERVICES ARE THEMSELVES BEING CUT BACK. WHAT ALTERNATIVES TO CLOSURE & CUTS HAVE BEEN CONSIDERED. THESE CAN ONLY IMPACT ADVERSELY ON THE VULNERABLE ELEMENTS OF SOCIETY: THE YOUNG, THE OLD, THE POOR, THE SICK, THE UNEMPLOYED, THOSE LIVING IN ISOLATED COMMUNITIES I think you should have second thoughts about the closing of Southwold library. Our library is an important part of our (if small) community. I AM A VORACIOUS READER BY I MEET MANY MORE PEOPLE WHO WILL BE LOST WITHOUT READING MATTER. I AM THINKING YOUNG PEOPLE MIGHT ENJOY VOLUNTEERING AFTER WORK/SCHOOL SAY 1 NIGHT A WEEK TO BE TRAINED BY QUALIFIED ENTHUSIASTIC STAFF FINE BY ME To be honest, I think you are abdicating your responsibility. As far as I can see, the main thrust of savings would rely on reducing paid employee hours and replacing it with volunteers. I feel that a voluntary service is never as good as a professionally run one Generally well set out and comprehensive as a basis for intensive discussion. A huge challenge to SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL'S STRATEGY IN THE MONTHS/YEARS AHEAD. Not good- Libraries are a sign of a civilised society- the cost of a family travelling to a county library, on public transport, is very expensive i.e. 5.80 return for an adult FRAM- Ipswich-Fram Less to Woodbridge but still expensive and buses only go every two hours- Last bus into FRAM 5.30. If children have after school activities, this does not enable them to go into Woodbridge during the week. This means Saturdays only and even then some parents work. Not to mention those working

people unable to use the library and Framlingham along with many villages, has no Sunday bus service.

Being a pensioner i feel i have paid for this service during my working life so therefore i think the service should remain as it is I think it would be awful for any libraries to close, they are all important Unrepeatable if you really go ahead with all this. I know as well as many that you need to cut expenditure, as do Waveney. We have done it by voluntary redundancies and redeployment and generally trimming the budget to the bone. Fine, we are not in charge of as much as the county of course, but it is all relative. Waveney Overview and Scrutiny have just undertaken a survey of public loos in the district, and the condition of each. We may have to close a few - again not a statutory requirement to have them but in a tourist area essential - but the alternative will be to charge, maybe 20p. Charge for each lending. I have only heard reports in the media and I am not happy that some libraries face possible closure. they are a great resource used by all age groups easily accessible and most communties have a library a short drive away. once the are closed they will gone for ever We insist on SCC providing a universal, professionally staffed library service. Your desperate hope that 'community groups or even other councils' could take over running local libraries is staggeringly pathetic. If you are not capable of providing a library service across the county, kindly resign and give us the chance to choose people who are prepared to take their civic responsibilities as public servants seriously. I'm very pleased that Hadleigh Library will remain as I use this weekly. It is incredibly disappointing that some facilities will have to cease. The data on usage by age group indicate that children feature very highly, if those children live in a rural area that is not served by a nearby library, will they be library users as adults? I know that my library use stems from my mother taking me to Eye library each week and now I am doing the same for my own children. Completely against privitisation of the libraries or closing of libraries Very worrying and depressing - you are asking these questions now and giving the impression that you are holding a consultation exercise - if the voluntary option ( last resort) collapses or fails from the outset - then libraries will be gone and the would be cutter's -at- all-costs will have won a hollow and anti-social victory. OK given the circumstances. I am concerned that rural services will close. This is a step too far by the County Council. ANYTHING TO KEEP ALL BRANCHES OPEN SHOULD BE FULLY EXPLORED. I feel that the cuts proposed are far too extensive. I feel that this will have a major impact on literacy skills and general education. These cuts will most affect those on limited incomes and the elderly and disabled. Libraries are essential and must be maintained. We need a library its an out reach for those who study and need to find out somethink. Would do no computers me personaly i use the good old fasioned way pen paper/Books there is a need. P.S. staff that smile its welcoming. Retrograde andnot cost effective. I am worried about the effect on communities and society in general if libraries close. People of all ages use libraries for a variety of reasons including using the internet. If unemployment is going to increase then people will need libraries even more to look for jobs and to seek company and comfort. At a time when may of us are worried by anti-social behaviour then to close libraries, an indicator of a civilised society is devastating. I do feel that every effort must be made to keep libraries open.

I support them Annoyed! I pay my council tax in return for which I get my bins emptied once a week and I have use of the library. I have no street lighting and I have no children at school. Having said that I appreciate that we all need to tighten our belts perhaps Andrea Hill should consider offering to take a 30% reduction in her salary to match the need to reduce the library costs by 30%. The libraries certainly offer a far greater service to the community then the council leader! The Library service needs to evolve. This has to run parellel with the growing population age group.The younger the average age of the local population the more technical subjects that need to be available, speaking as an engineer, as we are now in an age of rapid change. A good example are mobile phones. The technology of these devices has changed rapidly in the last 3 years alone. terrible I don't want the cuts but realise SOME may be necessary. ( attached document typed below .....) BUNGAY LIBRARY Firstly there is no way that SCC can close Bungay library - the library i far too importnat to the town . In recent timwa Bungay has lost the job centre, the youth club, and the trinity rooms and the Community Centre is falling down. There are only a few day or evening classes and Bungay as usual lost out to Beccles and Halesworth and not been given a surestart centre. The Middle school is under threat. The town centre has been dying since the Co-op finally got round to opening a big store on the outskirts of town and then blackmailed the otwn into using the new store, as it stated that no other food sotre could open in it's old premises, and also since pay parking was introduced and then increased and increased. Without the library there would be no central point to obtain information, nowhere to get internet access and nowhere of course to loan out books. As far as I am concerned Bungay library should be untouchable, the responsibility of the council to keep going becuase of its importance to the town as virtually the last facility which Bungay has left. I feel that a library is incredibly important in its basic role as loaner of books. No doubt the number of book loans has decreased, but being able to borrow books is still incredibly importnat to the many people who ddo still oan books out. For me, my library books are my 'end of the day' escape from life as a housewife and Mum. Libraries need to be there so that people can browse and handlebooks. You cannot browse new books properly without handling them. You cannot easily find new authors without browsing your favourite section. My children's enjoyment and love of books had been built squarely on the many books they have chosen themselves from the library for myself and my partner to read to them each night. The 'Space Hop' challenge ensured that my daughter kept up her own learning to read during the summer holidays. Yet having said all this , the Council has asked for ideas to cut costs, to keep the library open. I would propose that the library remains open much the same in its basic role but that certain services are cut out or cut down. In the main I would Propose that libraries revert back to their basic role of loaning books with access to the internet. Whilst it has been great that libraries have loaned out CDs/DVD's/games, these are purely for entertainment, not as books are also for learning to read and for educational and information purposes. though I have been very happy with the services that my library has provided, some of the things which have been doing in recent yearshave seemed necessary. i would propose the following actions/cuts (obviously I do not know how much things cost, so if an item costs very little , of course, it would be sensible to keep it). 1) i do not wish for volunteers to man the library- proper librarians can help you in their knowledge of books and the internet where volunteers would probably be just someone who happens to have some spare time and would not have the knowledge of the proper librarians. However, as Bungay is open at present 45 hours a week, I think that the opening hours should be cut. i would propose that it is open instead Tuesday 9 -12, Thurs 9 -6 , Fri 2-7, Sat 9-1, thus cutting the wages bill nearly by half, but at least ensuring some jobs were kept. This would also cut down the electricity bill. Also there are often 2 or even 3 librarians in attendance. With the machine available for checking books in and out, surely some of the time one librarian is enough. Not being open on Sundays would mean being able to open more ohurs during the week as presumably staff are paid more on sundays? SCC could obviously choose the best times for the library to be open using the statistics which they undoubtedly have, to ensure it was open at the most popular times.

2) Cut out all the 'extras' which libraries have started to do which wjilst excellent must cost too much for the present climate. I would stop the children's craft activities on Sundays, the reading challenge in the summer (or maybe make it cheaper - my children got medals, certificates and pencilsand there were specially printed space pictures and leaflets - not all of these were necessary - the medals have diasppeared into the ether, the progress leaflets were thrown away and the pencils went on the huge pile of pencils which we have ), the singing sessions etc for small children. Alternatively take a small charge to cover costs (at the local pool, though I've paid for my daughter's lessons, I had to pay extra for her certificates and Badges). 3) cut all the magazines and some of the newspapers which are provided daily/weekly. i have actually commented to our librarian that I think it ludicrous that the library provides 'OK' and perhaps 'Hello' magazine and 'Private Eye'. Surely these are not esential reading. if people want those they should buy themthemselves. onyl the EDP and perhaps one national newspaper is necessary, and perhaps not even those? 4) Do not sell off books for 10p which have only a small scribble or something in them. i do not know how libraries purchase books ( are they given by publishers??) but I have on several occasions bought children's books for 10p/20p and have been unable to see what was wrong with tem. If they are ok for our family to read surely the library could carry on using them? if not seel them for a bit more-50p is usual at car boot sales. The other week I saw a rack of adult adults which were for sale and could not understand why they were being sold off (especially as 3 of them were by my favourite (modern crime) author!). Whilst obviosuly some books become too tatty or outdated, most I see for sale are fine. If libraries purcahse books, how about publishers or printers (Clays of Bungay being the obvious benefactor for bungay library) being approached for books, ones which are perhaps fineto read but where there was slight problem with the coveror something. 5) Do not hire out CDs and DVDs and computer games??!!. Why was that ever necessary? ( Or did this service actually MAKE money?) Whenever I've heard of people loaning CDs. it has been solely to copy them for their own use. People can also do without DVDS ( and I can do without going into a library for books and being nagged by my son for a Scooby Doo DVD!) 6) I would scrap the goods for sale in the library. Why does the library sell things? I have only once in about 5 years bought anything from the library as the items are usually very expensive. on my most recent visit some 5 calendars had not sold and were being cleared for 1 - surely there was some loss on those? 7) Charge for the request service. I request a lot of books, as Bungay never seems to stock the books i would enjoy , and whilst I love the service and find the fact that I can request books on the internet very easy and convenient, it must surely cost quite a lot to move books around the area on a whim. perhaps charge 30p(?) a book ? 8) Consider csrapping Suffolk Libraries Direct (depending on how much it costs to maintain). Whilst it is really convenient, I could live without it. To renew my books I could call in at the Library, if it were the only option. Or people should be able to phone the library direct to renew their book. 9) Scrap bookstart free books ( though i believe recently it was escrapped and then reprieved) Whilst my children have enjoyed receiving the free books, it was not necessary to give them the books. It would have been better to have fed this money into the library system and still would be. I think the proposals for the library services are unworkable and will end up costing more! Our libraries shoul remain as they are - efficiently run by people who know how! *********** In business, managers would react in recession by looking to make savings before abandoning ship. It appears that SCCs plans are uncosted, uninformed by genuine consultation with librarians and unnecessary at this speed of implementation. Dreadful- totally depressing - is this really 2011 - it reads like the dark ages! GET UP AND FIGHT! That there are discriminatory - see above and unncessary on such a scale. May I suggest you undertake a Equality Impact Assessment and publish the results? necessary in these cash strapped times Awful - Bad idea. There is a significant need to keep the services available for children 0-5 years old- my two children have benefited from coming to the library and enjoy going to the library.

Very good, book loans are vital for housebound ect. Computer access should be available for all members of the public and groups. It a good service and I would like it to stay the way it is. fine. I just think it's sad that it's come to this. Libraries as all services must change with the times. Communites - especially in a rural area are vital as meeting places/ access to internet for those who cant afford to purchase their own is vital I feel that libraries should be availabe for the whole population to use but also recognise that some changes to opening hours may have to be introduced. Very mixed feelings as how to this will all work very after community group are unwilling to participate Appalling I think it is very sad that you think cutting such a vital service is OK. The library service is a life line for many age groups. The very young are introduced to reading, teenagers and young people have access to the internet and somewhere to go for study. The elderly use it for books, large print books etc. All sections of the community use it for cheap access to books and information. It is OK to say there is easy access to information these days but not everyone has a PC and not everyone can afford to buy books. I am relatively well paid but still rely on the library for a good selection of books. I also get a great deal from being a member of the reading group. The library has been part of my life for many years. Had I not had a library to access when I was a teenager, I doubt I would have been as successful academically as I have been and I certainly wouldn't have developed the love of reading I have now. LITERACY IS NOT A LUXURY!!! The impact cutting libraries will have will affect our country for generations to come and remember, it is those future generations who will be paying for our pensions! I would like to suggest that the council looks at some of its other overheads before targeting such a valuable resource as the libraries. Please don't close the library! Unaccepteable for smaller communities. Libraries are for ordinary people without special needs as well as for those groups listed. 'Ordinary people' constitute the vast majority of the population and must be catered for. They are the ones who would bring most finiace in if charges were introduced. terrible It will achieve whatever you want it to Dissapointing if results in closures I think it is a quick and easy area of Suffolk County Councils responsibility that they can easily remove from their expenditure without a major distrubtion to the community as a whole. Perhaps they should consider propossing a reduction in Household Waste collection by 10% and thus maintaining the whole of the Library services! You don't want to know, and I don't use obscenities in public documents. Some sympathy with the view that technology is changing but must protect access for the immobile, young and old Not ideal. Standards will drop and so will accessibility of services. a reduction in quality seems inevitable I can forsee a future for community libraries with out-dated and inappropriate stock due to lack of investment. I am also concerned that should a minority group, such as a religious organisation, take over a library then there would be nothing to stop them purging the stock of books that they disagree with and stop them purchasing only books that fit with their ideas. I feel that no importance has been placed on how much a seperate place for the library offers to the community ill judged disappointing short on imagination & understanding A library is not a Business. Proposals like those have left me ashamed i voted conservative

Keep Ipswich County Library open at all costs. It is used by 250,000 people plus; due to convenient location, serving vast hinterland; serving deprived areas (Bridge, Stoke and Alexandra Wards included). It serves all ages, classes & races of people and it provides an invaluable RESOURCE to UCS & Suffolk New College Students. Many of us do our reading/study/homework in the Reference Library. (This includes myself). KEEP EXISTING OPENING HOURS & DAYS! The library is a very, very importnat part for many and any change must be done in a positive way. Not bvery good because school leavers & teenagers have good work references & degree qualifications are obtainable in 1 years after 5 1/2 years with library 2 1/2 with museumsgiven on voluntary contracts The proposals seem fair. Cuts are falling heavily on popular and useful rather than activities that we could do without. why not consult public and allow us to suggest where we want reduced or omitted funding? Libraries are inclusive unlike some other benficiaries of funding Shite! Just leave well alone stop wasting money! I think the service should stay mostly as it is but increase hrs wether there is adequate public transport to reach a library then the mobile library is to be saved. This is a public questionnaire so I won't write what I'd like to. and my fear is that government is fond of reducing services (any government) but expects the same tax return for less services It stinks; yet again the rural communities are being deserted. Sad but necessary in the present economic climate. the council needs to review the amount it Pays to its leaders. Far too much! Would not want to see libraries closed in areas of poverty where this may be the only opportunity to experience books Disgraceful. Horrified to think many will close. Ours is so small - no room to share with other organisations. ? Move to primary school. disagree with proposed changes I was very shocked and disappointed that these proposals were put forward, and remain deeply concerned and unhappy about them. Whilst I can appreciate that other local government services may be more vital to the welfare of the residents of Suffolk, I do believe that the library service is extremely important, arguably especially in smaller communities and rural areas. Disgusting to even propose closures. I understand costs have to be reduced BUT additional ways of keeping Eye library open must be explored and volunteers and a subscription fee could be used to enable the facility to be kept open The library is much more than a place to borrow books. I accept that the need to borrow books is reduced in this modern, internet-connected age, however the library is also a community centre for childrens activities and a place where everyone can get help to access the internet for free. Books we can get a bus into town for. Internet and children's activities need to be more accessible. See 6. i think the libraries should continue to be supported and funded by the council I visit the library each week Generally to be encouraged. A suggestion. A friend of mine was keen on talking books and had an arrangement with his library that it purchased the books at discount, he paid for them, got first choice to use them, then donated them to the library with a sponsorship sticker attatched. An idea that could be looked at to all libraries. I presume this question means what do I think about it sutting down. I totally dissaggree with the idea. All of these questions have been very vague.

Very good. The proposals are wide-ranging. I feel that outside organisations will need to provide all or some of the services for the 30% reduction in costs to be achieved I doubt the wisdom of bringing in volunteers. What about insurance? Who are the suitable providors who could take over the running of the library? Too much change Newmarket library should be a county library, it serves a large area and needs to be run by experienced librarians. Using volunteers and other organisations would lead to utter chaos I think the overall proposals for the library service have failed to consider how the Council can continue to comply with its statutory duty while cutting costs and making its services more efficient. The council should consider the recommendations above and in other reports and expert opinions (e.g Tim Coates) on cutting waste, before cutting library services or closing libraries. (e.g. Hillingdon county council). The Council appears intent on passing on the provision of library services to the public and other organisations before first exploring cutting costs in its own operations (as recommended above). There should be a moratorium on closures/cuts to assess if savings can be achieved through cutting waste. e.g. Reducing the back-office costs, reducing the book supply chain. Are Suffolk libraries using EDI fully? The Consultation Document (in the introduction) suggests that people choose between library services and fire services/services for the vulnerable/elderly. A civilised society should not have to choose between them, especially when the Council has not shown that other cost-cutting/income generation measures have been considered and implemented. Has the Council considered how other organisations are supposed to come up with the funds to provide the service, when most avenues of funding have been cut (e.g. charities have lost significant funding), people have been made redundant and business are struggling to survive? The Council afterall does have a statutory duty in this regard. Arguing that people can use the internet, ipods, e-books and Twitter, in place of library services is short-sighted and doesn't consider the many less privileged who don't have access to them. The rich may not need public libraries but the rest of us do. Many other counties e.g. Norfolk, are not closing their libraries. Why is Suffolk? The Council's Consultation paper sounds like an ultimatum: either pay for the service/run it ourselves or face closure. In summary: 1. The Consultation document should have included sections asking the public for suggestions on how the Council can improve the library services, instead of focusing only on other organisations providing the service in the future. 2. The Consultation document (in the introduction) equates savings with closure, which is short-sighted and indicates that the Council has not explored other ways to save money and to make its own provision of the services more efficient and cost-effective. 3. The Consultation document has not provided the public with important financial information (as stated above) to enable the public to engage meaningfully in the consultation. Stop waisting money on consultations and start getting the salaried staff to do the job they're paid for and that includes the CEO!!!!! One must do what one must do. We are living in cloud cuckoo land if we think we can go on as we are. As long as the Public Library is there for the many people like myself who love books and reading, (we have moved house many times and access to a good library has always been one of the criteria!!) - I don't care who runs it, but I would hate it if Tesco's were put in charge!! P.S. Although you have covered a lot of ground as well as you have, I think the format, especially the print and the pictures, which are awful, may put a lot of people off even opening the questionaire. I do not agree with cutting and closing down of 2/3 of the library service, it would led to valuable services to be lost and not to be able to get them back.

The service would be greatly inferior and therefore fail to meet the legal requirements and criteria for a comprehensive and accessible library service. The government and SCC are dominated by the same political party which places financial cost above all other costs - the cultural cost to its people, the social cost of youngsters finding their attention drawn to the trivia of gaming, networking and worse, instead of being able to draw down, for free, the great wealth of knowledge and ideas which books can bring. The proposals are a grave mistake. In what I have read of them, I haven't seen any reference to whether they are intended to temporary or permanent. Yet this point is vitally important. For example, if the budget deficit is reduced to reasonable levels after, say, 3-4 years, would the library service then be immediately restored to its 2010 state? If not, why not? However, my fears are that the political dogma is such that this would not be the case. It would instead be seen as a once-and-for-all reduction in service provision, whether or not the Big Society has come to the rescue - which, frankly, is highly unlikely, as we have seen already. Our political leaders (at national and county level) are remote and detached from the problems which I outline. So much so, that they don't even see the difficulties of libraries being several miles away. They have cars and can afford to reach libraries easily - albeit that driving to a library is unsustainable. Many live in large houses where the 'library' probably means one of its rooms. If they need a book, they can probably just buy it. And is this the same county council which has been so careful to suffuse all its town and country planning policies with the sustainability imperative and then to meticulously grade all its decisions and those of the district councils via a sophisticated sustainability audit? Have watched our library service improve over the last 30 years, now they give a very good, professional service, which is integrated across the county. All this will be lost if SCC proceeds with these proposals. I don't believe it is possible to run a library service with volunteers and the local organisations within Elmswell that might take over the service such as the Elmswell Amnenities Assoc. and the Parish Council have a very poor reputation within Elmswell. I have no confidence that they could run and maintain Elmswell library at anything other than a poor standard. My overall feeling is that the present moves in local gov. will lead to less money in the local economy and harder times for everyone not just local govn workers. Ultimately, at sometime in the future, there will be a realisation that these initiatives have failed and a great deal of money will be spent in putting local services back together. You don't want an honest answer to that. You really don't. It's best put as {expletive deleted}. I think this it is a lazy option taken by a council(employing extremely highly paid executive staff) not truly acting in the interest of it's voters. I think you have not made them clear. You have produced an extreme;y poor map which is almost impossible to read. Poor & short sighted. Again affects rural communities with people having to travel or with people more isolated if they can't travel. These proposals accept the pre-conceived notion that libraries will close and the categorisation process is clearly the first step in selecting libraries for closure. The proposals are the results of failings in other areas of civil service, namely failure to regulate the banking sector and failure to maintain a broad base of industry and do not challenge the underlying causes. The proposals are blinkered and pessimistic and the veiled threats of receiving 'disappointing' responses will end in one inevitable conclusion no matter how many times the words 'enthusiasm' and 'innovation' are used. Libraries, like other council services should be council-run not just council-managed. Closing even one library will mean that many people in rural areas will only have access to a library via an impractically-long bus journey.

I strongly disagree with Suffolk County Councils proposals. Libraries in small communities are a way to bring people together, decreasing isolation and informing people of further activities available in the community. Taking away libraries will decrease the amount of people using them as there will be some groups of people such as the elderly and those without private transportation who will not be able to get to a different library easily. Using public transport is becoming increasingly expensive and therefore not a viable option for those on a low income. With literacy rates in Suffolk highlighted as a worry in the media, taking away easily accessible libraries does not aid children's learning at all. Finally losing the computer and internet facilities currently provided by libraries will hinder those who use these facilities to job hunt, having knock on impacts for the individual, their community and Suffolk. I realise this will have been obvious to you all and I hope these things will have been considered. I don't think the idea of a volunteer system will work- its impractical at such times as these in this economic climate and within the small time span given for someone to step forward and take over in my opinion. I have been extremely happy with the books and services available in my local library - Needham Market and it is through visiting this library since I was a baby I have gained a love for books and learning. Nothing better than going to the library and coming away with 10 books I can't wait to read. At 4 a book in supermarkets I'm not sure where I will get my 'hit' should this all go ahead. See 6 above. Parsimonious. You have chosen libraries as a soft target, mostly employing low-paid workers. It might be a better idea to slim down the number of overpaid bureaucrats - especially the CEO - who don't make any direct contribution to Suffolk communities. 210,000 plus pension contributions would go a long way towards the continued provision of excellent local libraries. I am very angry that the County Council has seen fit to attack a supposed soft option to save money. The whole of the County Council needs to be looked at especially the salaries and expenses of the senior members of staff. How is it possible that the Chief Executive of Suffolk County Council earns more than the Prime Minister? How can she possibly justify that? I've been a member of Ipswich County Library for over 40years and visit it either in person, or on-line to renew, every week. It is a vital service for people who are housebound (Library At Home), older people (Top Time), young children (Bookstart groups and Tot Time), for internet access and to encourage educational standards by reading. Ill conceived and thought out, with (as stated before) no consideration for the community/communities concerned. No good. I think that it is shortsighted to take away library provision to the elderly and the young, who desprive so much from the library service. Very unhappy. good. I think the mobile service should be closed and services in small towns like Eye moved in with other community facilities such as village halls+ shops. Few people dont ever venture out into local towns except the very elderly, and family/care workers can assist them. families are well catered for via school libraries. Very unhappy at any changes to library services. I don't know. Let me say - I have been a library user since the age of 6 - & I am now 83 - so for 77 years & would feel deprived without my local library. Library use must always be FREE. I am against privitisation. P.S. I would be prepared to pay for book reservations - 50p - as Norfolk libraries do. I am also a member of Norwich Milleniuem Library. UNFORTUNATE, BUT NECESSARY. Terrible. Suffolk CC has a legal responsibility to provide a library service. Sad but understandable. Don't mess with it.

My views are clear from the above comments. Should we not feel ashamed that we are even considering this - what messages about books and learning is this sending to young people? That they are an 'optional extra' to be run to if you have a few quid to spare, but first to be ditched if things are tough. What proportion of the almost 5M costs for the 6 most used libraries is taken up by the 'corporate overheads' mentioned? What is the scope for reduction of these e.g by a reduction in the number of 'layers' of central management, or the introduction of the 'rule of ten' the highest paid member of any organisation can not earn more than ten times the lowest paid? When those kind of structures are in place and operational, we could then investigate what might be possible. I think Eye desperately needs its own library. A small town with few facilities but benefitting enormously from this central point of information and local culture. Awful - libraries need to be available to all citizens - e.g how can people on reduced incomes have access to books and learning. Ok except for my comments made. I think the idea to close local community libraries is a disgrace. They are an attack on democracy, above all the fundamental democratic right to knowledge and education. They are a hard-right attempt to give power to the Squire, local Notables and profitmaking companies. Moving or setting up libraries in other buildings run by companies etc would all involve alot of cost depending on venue many people may not be able to access them as they do now. The underlying proposal of having the County withdraw from being a direct service provider is much too radical to simply accept, perhaps especially so with respect to library services. Unless the proposal is primarily ideological -- that is, driven by the belief that the private sector is nearly always better suited to deliver public services -- if decisions are made to involve local government or voluntary organisations, they should be grounded in very strong long-term financial and service commitments on both sides. If, on the other hand, the proposal is indeed part of a strategy of reducing permanently and irreversably the role of County government, this should be made very public, and debated on its merits. And if the proposal is grounded on such an ideological base, we the public should not be taking part in consultation focused narrowly on dealing with the consequences of the action, before we have had an opportunity to have a debate. Whilst appreciating the money needs to be saved The thought of not having a library in a town such a Newmarket is dreadful Why not keep the Library and work towards providing a better service whch whill attract more visitors and be a community space. Really a hub of information for local people Short sighted and very foolish I think Suffolk currently provides (in my experience) a great library service. I fail to understand why the council feels it has to reduce costs by 30% when it could raise the income to continue supporting the libraries for e.g. through using its reserves or by increasing council tax particularly for those in the higher tax bands. The library service already attracts substantial volunteer help and I think it disingenuous to seek to lay any consequences of reduced service on the heads of Suffolk residents who 'fail' to come up with a plan to run the libraries themselves. I work for the County Council as a teacher, I am passionate about learning and about young people having access to quality resources like our libraries- I do not however have the time to set up/be part of a community group to make this happen. Other councils are finding ways to keep their libraries funded appropriately and I suggest Suffolk look to them during this 'consultation' period. The county should be ashamed of themeselves and their plans

I am a regular user of the local library and my children have had second to none support, advice and guidance from the staff whilst inspiring my children to read. The confidence they have gained from going in to the library, choosing books, checking out, learning new skills, socially, intellectually and physically is immense. The benefits from this has developed into their home life, they frequently go on to the library website, play games, look up about their favourite author. The sense of being in control, from having their own library card, the achievements they have made by keeping it safe, and using it on a regular basis is palpable. The local school has a weekly library club when they walk to the library, my son has thoroughly enjoyed this and this has boosted his and his siblings reading recently. He was also able to help another family use the check-in service. I am hoping with all my heart that our invaluable library will continue to remain open, it is such an important part of our community. Quite far reaching and innovative - I do hope they can enable as many library services to be retained as possible. It's a disgrace, you are planning to close Brandon Library, the nearest Suffolk Library will be Bury St Edmunds which costs money to get to there is no regular bus service. You are going to send people into Norfolk to use Thetford Library, Norfolk are able to keep all the libraries open by reducing there hours, What are Suffolk doing wrong Given the economic circumstances I understand that there is no alternative but to achieve savings and in that context the proposals appear reasonable. However, I note that the annual cost of running Halesworth Library compares favourably with the annual salary of the County Council's Chief Executive. To harsh I think the current service suits the communities needs Completely ridiculous. How is the interlibrary lending going to continue when they are owned and run by several different organisations. How is new stock going to be obtained and distributed through the County fairly. This is a slash and burn exercise and nothing more. I think the ideas proposed could destroy the whole Library service very concerned that we will be loosing one of the best assets in the community. Have not read that far. Lakenheath public library is a one man operation in a hut, there is no intelligent way of reducing funding to this resource. Rubbish Short sighted and ill thought out. Those who have paid and continue to pay local charges should be give some value for money. mY SUGGESTION IS LESSEN OPENING DAYS It is important to keep rural libraries, they are an open door. Anyone can access them. They shouldn't be cut. They are a disgrace. My main concern is losing community libraries that are an essential part of local communities where people meet and have access to information they wouldn't have otherwise - not everyone has internet acces for example. Shocked and dismayed. I note that Norfolk, one of the first counties to introduce a public library service, if not the first, are at the moment not proposing cuts of the same severity. I would express some concern, maybe inappropriately, for the SPINE central purchasing. This might lead to a uniformity and an homogenity which might deprive readers of free access to a wide range of texts and media texts. i think if THAT WOMAN in Suffolk C>C was put on proper wages the other 4000 pounds a week saved would pay for Ipswich and Felixstowe libraries to stay open honestly, I don't know. I just don't want the library to close and any way to stop that has to be good. I cannot comment - What exactly are your proposals? What changes are we likely to see?

Dis appointing, short sighted and likely to have serious long term harmful effects. Rubbish! I think they are dreadful proposals and wonder what sort of society Suffolk County Council is trying to create in taking books away from children and depriving us of libraries. They are not targetted for the survival of local libraries but their demise I agree that the 2 tier system makes sense; however, I do NOT agree with the proposal to cease funding community lib raries if "viable proposals from other groups are not received" as this would be tantamount to ending the service. If no one else will take the service on, then the council should continue to run it albeit in a reduced fashion, eg opening fewer days per week and possibly closing a few of the more costly libraries. It seems wrong that libraries such as Framlingham which costs less than average to run should be closed if no group is prepared to take it on. Is it really necessary to close libraries? I believe Norfolk is nor closing theirs. If cuts have to be made then difficult decisioins also have to be made. It is right that the libraries which are costing a lot of money need to be looked at closely, but I do not believe that the library service should be completely withdrawn from such locations. Greater use/expansion of the mobile libraries might be a solution. possibly combined with mobile banks/post offices/shops in more rural areas. I think it reasonable for libraries to share a school/educational site, but not the actual buildings because of security/child protection issues. Also increased vehicle movements around schools could be inadvisable. I think it should be preserved with the focus on books rather than DVDs & internet access. The current opening hours are sufficient. Greater use of trained volunteers. I think it is upon the Government to continue to provide the library as a resource to it's local community. As with any business of course it has to keep costs as low as possible however, by removing the library and saving money in one area surely the long term cost in other areas of spending will be greater? eg. Encouraging children to read from an early age will no doubt help with reducing crime & unemployment in future years? How viable would it be for many people to have to travel 15 miles to access another Suffolk library? In most instances those people would be forced to stop using the library altogether. For those people using the library to job search and apply for jobs, complete CVs etc. it would again contribute to long term unemployment as people will have the resources taken from them to help them get back on their feet. I have belonged to the Library from a very young age. I am now a 60 years old. For me its a tragedy that libraries are about to close. As has already been stated there should be increases in provision not a desimation. I cannot see a person/persons or organisation being able to provide such an important service without some monetary reward. It will become like every other 'voluntary' service in this area, half hearted, more inadequate and eventually folding. I realise that this is not the type of response you wanted but I feel this survey does not fulfill its title by the questions asked, so I have had my say. This makes the filling in of the next page pointless. Do not close local libraries. My children use the library to borrow reading and reference material. My Grandma uses her library not only for borrowing books, but also for Internet training, and also a source of companionship. I nearly didn't bother reading this consultation. Having gone through the Schools Review Consultation recently, I felt I would be playing the game of responding but not being listened to. The minds of those at the top being made irrespective of the view of the general public. I have read this consultation and felt immediately that this was a empassioned call for help for the community and one which we do have a say about. I hope I'm not wrong in that reaching that conclusion. These are tough times ahead without a doubt. With more and more people out of work, people losing their houses etc, this is a time when our public services should come into their own but instead they are facing the same harrowing times. It's very short sighted of the powers that be to make cuts in all of these areas - not just libraries. I'm sure it wont be the first consultation document

I respond to for SCC. I think the suggestions of how the users can help are sensible. If we want it, we've got to stand up and fight and help it. I think if you had all intentions of axing them anyway, the suggestions of how the libraries can be saved wouldn't have been written down. I also think that the cuts of 30% are, although huge, realistic and hopefully, not out of the question of reaching.

I do not accept that the proposals you outline on P4 are the only viable ones. Why cannot present, but reduced provision be augmented by community/volunteer provision, and remain under the auspices of our local council. I understand that cuts have to be made but I think we would be going backwards if we start shutting libraries. Anyone outside the education system should still be able to educate themselves, either by reading or listening to books or by using the new technology that we now have, or we will slip further backwards to becoming a third world county. I am shocked by plans to decimate the library service. I feel it is shortsighted especially in times of economic restraint to reduce a service that anyone can access whether rich or poor and could play a positive part in the cohesion of communities. RUBBISH !!! The service in suffolk is currently the best in the country. It is very cost effective, and good value for the people of suffolk. I do not think that as part of the consultation it has been taken into account the 'social' side of the braqnch. There are many people who visit the library daily, as it is a free space which is warm, friendly and non threatening. If a libray closes these people are left on the street, and they are very vulnerablee Bad as the libraries in the community bring all people of all ages together and I believe that Andrea Hill should be forced into a pay cut before closing libraries as she earns too much for not doing nothing for the county of suffolk. Really bad, you should not close the libraries I am very sorry that these proposals are necessary, but I understand the reasons. There is an opporuntity for people to pay for the service they receive. Most people have sufficient income to pay for the benefits and enjoyment the library service provide. In my view this approach is much more preferable to shutting down libraries. Literally irresponsible as services will decrese and standards fall. Worrying for the community in general but especially for the elderly and other groups who depend on the library for social interaction and keeping them mobile/interested in life. Concerned as the foxus is only on cost Crass. Action is needed but ready and subsidised access to books is essential to the future education and prosperity of the country I am against them. I think local library services should be kept. I understand that we have to save money, if there must be cut backs lets get back to what libraries are for - books. Cut out all newspapers and magazines, people can buy their own and there would be a huge saving. [At top of first page, not as an answer to any question] The Questions are difficult to understand and the opinions difficult to catagorise. Many people think there is a hidden agenda. Or you do not really care what we want. I like the library for accessibility to books and for use of the internet. This is the only access I have as I can't afford to have it in my home. I also belong to the Top Time Book Club run from here. Without these sservices and the scoiable aspect of the library, i would be very isolated and become reclusive. The staff are always very polite and unfailingly helpful and friendly. Losing the library

would be a great loss to me on a personal level. and also to the community

Regrettable. It is a pity that libraries have been consistently in the front line for cuts at a time when literacy generally is deteriorating rapidly. I think you are doing terrible damage to the social and educational life of Suffolk. If this proposal goes forward and the libraries close it will be decades before the damage is undone Ridiculous! Whoever heard of a library as a business! It is a service. Sadly, cuts seem inevitable. Understand need to cut back. If Community libraries are closed, the County libraries need to stay open in the evenings so people who work can also gain access. Dreadful! As it operates now Bungay library is a lifeline - somewhere warm to go with young children. Feel supported and welcome. Sense of community, staffed by professionals - I have seen the staff be treated badly often, by the general public - volunteers should not and would not cope with that. Very worrying - will result in less literacy already under threat from TV 'dumming down' and price of books. Books are an enormous educator - vocabulary - punctuation, syntax and ideas and imagination stimulus !! Can change the world! See section two comments. Lack of information on proposal regard expenses etc Reasonable providing the library is kept open. Your threat to community libraries on page 8 "if the response is...." is frightening in tone. You are asking total amateurs to come up with a management plan in a very short time or else. Yes, encourgae change but do not shirk your own responsibilities. Libraries must be accessible to everyone in the County; they are part of a civilised society I think they are badly thought out, and of all the cutbacks that SCC could make this is one of the worst, especially targetting the poor who cannot afford to buy a computer or buy books or a car ! I strongly believe the coucil should provide the services, not just have a duty to make sure public can access libraries. Devolving responsibility has many dangers, but I support the idea of communities seeking ways to make the services more cost efficient in conjuntion with the council I think that as the cost of running libraries is a very small part of the budget it is a great shame that cuts are been made in this area. Our library provides important services to the local community and will be a great loss if closed. It is essential to save money but regrettable. I also feel it was a grave mistake to spend so much refurbishing Felixstowe library a few years ago when it was already very good (& I said so at the time. I first joined Felixstowe library when it was a small shop in Orwell Road just after WW2 The CC obviously has high overheads according to the document. Highly paid officers should be capable of making sensible savings that's what they are paid for. Divestment is a cop-out All the cuts are disgusting It should remain under county control and completely intergrated with the rest of Suffolk as regards to book exchanging, access etc. certainly not privatized or subject to localized prejudices. Not a lot the service should stay as it is To stay open a very important asset to Felixstowe. It is important to keep Felixstowe library open. There are a lot of people who need its services for books, computers and the social aspect. with the potential of greater unemployment in the future access to these facilities will increase not decrease therefore closing any library would be shortsighted. If our play reading group is to continue then the current service is vital as it would be difficult to make 2 monthly journeys to Ipswich to collect and return plays. At present I take out a pile of plays annually (1 copy of each) summarise suitable cues and then ring Ipswich at the beginning of each

month to order. I fully appreciate the need for cuts. I think most library users would accept shorter hours ie. opening 3 days per week or for significantly shorter working hours though this may not make a great difference in savings. I would accept a small charge eg. 20p per withdrawal though fear that in the way of things today this would gradually increase until people would no longer use the library service. Don't forget places like Charity shops sell used books for as little as 50p. Reasonable given the requirement for spending cuts - but a real pity and potentially a significant loss to rural communities. Support is needed to enable rural communities to create alternative models of delivery - can't rely of communities organising themselves without finding and support. Not fit for purpose closing libraries is a retrograde step and unworthy of SCC, you should be ashamed of yourselves. I think you are trying to get out of your responsibitieas and using the cut in Government funding as an excuse to claw back money overspent in other areas Reasonable but need to think outside the box a bit more. I think alot of people are going to be deprived of essential services, and unless the government changes its plans for funding, then Brandon (along with many other places) is going to lose a vital part of its community. I completely understand that cuts have to be made. Mobile library has to be a focus for these. Could be replaced by drop and collect services at local shops / pubs etc in rural areas. Mobile library visits my area where almost everyone has a car- service not needed. See earlier Not impressed. I think it is tragic that this exercise has to be undertaken. Libraries are still very important to Communities, but we also have to meet our obligations to the vulnerable where costs cannot be reduced. I think it is wrong that most libraries will only continue to run if people volunteer. Everyone who pays their council tax should be allowed equal access to libraries. Try to make cuts at other levels; eg REDUCE EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT SALARIES & EXPENSE BUDGETS They seem alright. You illustrate your consultation document with pictures of mothers, children and old people yet seem prepared to cease funding the very service these people depend on. As I noted above, Kedington library could probably sustain a service on 30% less money, by reducing hours and having the space rented by other organisations. This might also apply with 40% or 50% less. If SCC is not to manage the service then it should seek to outsource the management and hope this will not prove more expensive than direct management. There is also the responsibility to Council Tax payers; if we have less by way of services we will expect to pay less. Sympathise with situation but do not want to see libraries closed down. Children should have access to books from an early age. Poor planning. Cut at county level, leave branches alone. They are the ones that deliver the service, not deskbound beauracrats. Its all about 'cuts' but it ....... rightly or wrongly (politically) cuts have to be made somewhere. I am very much against any change in the present library service. Good under difficult circumstances. I appreciate that savings have to be made so local libraries run by unpaid volunteers may be a viable option.

Considering the current - already poor - situation where the library is often expected to fund-raise to support itself, lack of staff already mean inadequate time to help patrons who need it and the like, further cuts are ridiculous. The idea that volunteers, however intelligent and well-intentioned, can take the place of qualified professionals merely shows the lack of understanding the County has of the services involved. Instead of hacking away at front-line services such as libraries, which actually make a real difference to the quality of life of patrons, perhaps you can first take a longer, harder look at all the 'back office' administration/support departments county-wide. No argument that libraries could benefit from streamlining and refocusing, but that doesn't mean handing them over to corporations to run. Libraries are for everyone and are a basic right in modern countries, even a hallmark of civilisation, some would say. Concentrate on what they do well and stop trying to make them commercially viable - they're a service, not a factory. Cutting qualified, trained and hardworking people who further this country's education and quality of life in a way unmatched in accessibility, should be the last resort of a cash-strapped Council, not one of the first. Streamline by all means, but streamline yourself first at the bureaucratic level. Then reassess. The Library service is a must for all communities. Maybe libraries could open on a reduced schedule or even closed on a Sunday. Splitting up the service seems a bad idea. Volunteers can only do so much and the current systems seem to need knowledgeable staff. Totally unproven and doctrinaire. The current model survived 2 World Wars and a serious recession. Can we afford NOT to be civilised any longer. . It is outrageous if you close any I am totally opposed to the proposals Not very much!! The service provided is absolutely brilliant! I would be disappointed to see it suffer for the sole reason of lack of funding not good at all. as a tax payer i am not impressed It is unfortunate that cuts have to be made but I understand why it is necessary. Short sighted and out moded, un-encouraging if the aim is to increase use at lower cost. I can only comment on Eye library and for our group and even though we have used it to borrow scripts and videos of plays we also use it as a place to advertise our group and our activitesa and this is invaulable to us. I feel it should be available during evenings as described above and have more facilities for advertisng local groups and their activities. I think it is a total disgrace and a shame that a service that crosses all social, racial, age, gender and class boundaries is being targeted and local libraries being closed which are part of the communities and down the generations. Surely there are other areas that these cuts can be done which won't have such a visable and negative impact on not only individuals and communities. The reading and writing skills of children today are a disgrace and it's disgusting that the council is even considering these proposals when they should be doing all they can to encourage and help improve these important skills. Rather than making massive cuts to the library service, advertising more different uses of the buildings could be done to improve revenue. For example evening classes. I am very concerned that the current Resource Centre/Library at Wickham is not included in Appendix 1. Surely this should remain as a potentially important facility for out-of-hours Doctor's services and eg. Citizens Advice Bureau etc. Being in the same attractive building as the library itself Shortsighted! You have only considered how to cut/close down services. No proposals have been offered for us to pay a contribution, thereby, to retain them! Not Acceptable. This is not a Consultation, you trying to present a 'fait acompli' Am satisfied

To lose the library service is a tremendous mistake and quite short sighted. - The Government should look closer to home to save money - I don't suppose many politicians use the library - they have enough money to go out and buy what they want. They are not proposals for a library service but for the abolition of what currently is a very successful one. Obvously cuts are necessary suggest: 1. Open for fewer hours. 2. Combine the smaller communities with schools. 3. Greater use of mobile libraries. 4. Less computer provision. Cuts should not be made unless absolutely essential. a real backwards step - shame on SCC you haven't explained what will be done with the books if you shut the library through lack of other options. Why fix what ain't broke? Expensive, unsettling and unnecccessary. I understand the need to cut back, but I feel the library in Kesgrave is a vital part of the community. If it were to be shut then it would be a huge loss to the community and would be a large distance to our closest library requiring a car to get there. In times of rising fuel costs being able to walk to the library is vital. it is used for community activities, baby weighing and many other useful thing to the community. I understand that there is a shortage of money but personally feel that it is important for children to have easy access to books and that the internet should be available to all. Not everyone can afford to have it in their own homes and it is an essentail part of education today. Everyone has to save money, it is time to work smart and keep lean for the future. As live 3 miles from Ixworth but 10 miles from bury st edmunds so that would be very difficult. Also cahrge people who are out of county fro suffolk library services. Ensure people go to their nearest library to ensure maximum use. All parish councils need to know about this to help put proposals together as it is difficult to do ths as an individual I do not agreee with your overall proposals for the library service. It is a most retrograde step and I do hope you will reconsider the effect closing Clare library will have. I assume, by the way, that you will be saving costs by no longer having Clare in Bloom (if you do fund this - I am not sure) - this would seem to be a luxury whereas the library is absolutely essential. Please see above. Sad. Rubbish. No changes are needed. I wish for a county library We wish to keep the county library I wish to keep a county library I wish to keep county libraries no comment Good-am desperate to save out library service Is excellent Keep our libraries, it is a gift, our library service is fantastic! The tax payers of suffolk have every right to expect an acceptable library service provided by their county council. And it should continue to be so. I consider closures TERRIBLE, libraries are VITAL to many people. I think it is very sad and I am very concerned as to how this will affect libraries in question or any changes in the services it may provide. I agree with most of them. The proposal to relinguish the running and funding of our libraries is totally unacceptable. SCC have a duty towards its residents to provide this facility Fine

DONT MIND AS LONG AS OULTON BROAD DOESN'T CLOSE I would prefer to see libraries stay open, if cuts must be made then perhaps mobile libraries should go Very, very bad. i would like to see the majority of libraries stay open Am worried libraries will (lose) their present character See 6 above - criteria to severe. I believe that a library service is essential to any community and any closures can only be a deterrent to the widening of people's knowledge and may also contribute to more isolation for a lot of groups of the population. We can't all afford to buy any book we're interested in, or a computer or even DVDs and story tapes. A little basic and unexciting. I regret that I cannot make a regular committment - my house was chosen to be near the library. As long as we keep our community libraries on reduced opening hours. But no closures please. Very short sighted. Only the final balance sheet figure has been considered & not the other less tangible benefits of the library service as detailed in answer to Q3 I feel sad that after a lifetime of using the library service through good and bad financial times that it is now threatened like this. I think that decisions are not being made for the benefit of the people of use the library service but for the benefit of the council's short term requirements and there are better ways to achieve the savings by matching the opening hours to the times of maximum use of the library and still provide a service to the local community Not at all impressed. I can understand that the services need to be cut - but to put up so many libraries for closure does not seem right. Libraries are an important part of the community - and the lack of them could lead to social isolation for some people, as well as a lack of access to the regular library resources. I can understand that the library service has to save money but to close these libraries totally is not the answer in my opinion. By all means cut the days that they are open perhaps only open them on a few days a week, but to close them completely is not the way to go! I think the shutting of the community libraries would be a great loss to the community. I do hope a group can take over, but I do not think that this should be necessary. Access to books is essential in creating a civilised and learned society. I know that many older people use the library, people who would find it difficult to access the main libraries. There are also issues of the environment- having to use cars to get to the library and travel further by cars. I cannot afford to buy books to keep up with my son's desire to read. I think it is terrible that his access to books will be curtailed. My library has done a lot of work in encouraging mothers and toddlers into the library, again something the government should be encouraging in the light of the importance of the pre 5's education. I think it is sad. My local library is gainsborough which appears safe(ish) . I have taken both my daughters from babies to events and borrowed books. I realise no services are safe with the current climate, I feel very strongly all should have access to a library service it provides such joy to many. Very poor a librarian cannot be replaced by a volunteer however well meaning. Libraries should not be run on a voluneter basis they are often an important lifeline in rural communities. Sureley some of the Community libraries could be kept open at least for a few hours a week? rahte than designated communityr libraries and run by amatures. You take a pay cut and not cut our services,shame on you,how do you sleep at night. not a good idea at all! The good thing about this consultation is that it will get people really thinking about what a library service should offer (just a shame about the reason behind the consultation). So with that in mind, any provider of the service should be able to offer what the public feel appropriate. Without knowing how another council or a community group or another provider would run a library service, this question is difficult to answer.

I am very happy with the service at Felixstowe, just as it is. Generally reasonable. Keep staff, key the core i.e books. Reduce mobile. As organisations are going down the path of doing everyting online - people not having a computer at home rely on the libraries to communicate to the outside world. Are these people going to suffer, without a service both in town and countryside. Units good. Service from staff excellent. Good. I believe your proposal for the library was great and I hope that it is approved and implemented. Appalling More concerned that library services in rural villages in West Suffolk may be removed. Lakenheath is an expanding village and is town size and should have its own Library to meet the needs of the present population but the expanding population from housing developments or households expanding their families. I think that closing small rural librares will mean that people who currently use libiraries will be lost to the system. I for one am not prepared to travel to Stowmarket (the suggested alternative to Eye) to borrow books. The increased petrol and time costs makes it more cost effective to buy books instead. I will start frequenting charity shops to buy second hand books. If the response to this consultation is disappointing, and the county council does not receive viable proposals and ideas from people, groups, businesses and other interested parties for ways to run community libraries, we propose that funding will stop from 2012. Surely this is an ultimatum and not a consultation?!!!! Sad but cuts have to be made. Not much. Completely unreasonable. Removing rural libraries and mobile library services will further impoverish Suffolk and lead to higher illiteracy and unemployment rates. Absolutely appalling - your idea seems to be just to close the libraries rather than look for ways of saving them. Once these libraries are lost it is unlikely they will re-open again. You cannot replace the dedicated and qualified library staff by a bunch of volunteers. Our children and grandchildren will suffer - Suffolk is already behind in education and to lose our libraries, which encourage children to read and love books, is nothing short of criminal. Poor Library services are essential for well being of the community Soon the council will be providing no services other than pension provision for staff! The decisions on the library service should be based on population demographics, usuage and cost per visit.Where the economics of the service do not add up a specific proposal shoud be put forward.Those currently put forward are too vague and subjective. Too wide sweeping I think libraries should stay as they are basically It sounds as if too much is going to be left to localities with consequent lowering of delivery standards and resources Vandalism, philistinism and ignorance. You have in Judy Terry a "lead" who cannot write grammatical and correct English - very impressive, I don't think! You have chosen to cut this service but to remain a top heavy and expensive managment team governing a realatively poor and isolated rural area I think they are very good and show that you think it is important to keep this vital service running,

If a town council took over a library how would this work how would you make savings as how would the town council pay for the service? Would you not still have to provide funding for the libraries? If you would give money how much would this be and what guarentee would be that you would not withdraw this money at any stage a few years along the line? The service in imporant for anyone who wants to study and further their education. We are all being told to educate ourselves and our children but removing access to books is not acceptable. The University in Ipswich was set up to try and prevent the brain drain from the county how do you not see that removing libraries will mean that they will not have the oppertunity to go to univeristy in the future and borrow books to use on thier course. The library service has other social implications. The baby sessions are imporant to new mums as they can become a life line to help them get out and socialise reducing the risk of Post natal depression and intoduction young children to libraries. The reading tasks for older childrenin the summer holidays are also helpful for supporting familes over the long summer break. Trying to encourage them to read out of school. As adult the libraries are important for access to books that would be unaffordable for reasearch and just for fun. Reading of a computer screeen is NOT the same as holding a book. There are spesfic places where e books are useful but we cannot just throw away books. Listen to the people I am horrified at the proposals to slash the number of Libraries in Suffolk. Suffolk County Council are intent on destroying a valuable service in the community. Absolute rubbish. Run them properly and lose at least one layer of management. The library service offers information, access to new technology and inspiration to those who cannot afford to buy books and/or do not have access to media resources. It opens eyes and minds, particularly for children and older people. A civilised society wants to see such opportunities open to all. There should be other methods of saving money other than closing libraries: 1) cap council wages at 100,000, squeezing down intermediates proportionately, but not affecting wages below 10/hr. - this should liberate some funds. 2) cap future and existing council pensions to 40,000 with no intermediate squeeze. Assume 40,000 max. gained by working for 40 years - if someone has only worked for the council(s) for 10 years, the max. drawn would be 10,000. 3) actually ask the voters whether they would like to pay extra council tax to pay for libraries to stay open - it is not up to you to decide. Reasonable in the circumstances i think that the ideas are fair. i would worry that if a community library looses support then the service would end all together i would like to see some reassurance that the council would then take over untill another way of managing the library can be found I am a mature student living in Reydon and studying at UCS Ipswich Campus. I frequently use the library and am indebted to the librarian********, for her help and support in finding relevant texts and information for my studies. I am digusted with the plans to cut financing to the 29 libraries in Suffolk as a cost cutting measure, particularly in light of the expensive community charges we have to pay and what we get back for them. I believe you should continue to provide the vital community service. A shame any need to close perhaps more restricted hours at some could enable others to remain open very bad idea please do not close eye library a short term answer for a long term problem. Library spending should be as important as education spending. I do not want to have to travel so far to get to a community library. I certainly do not want to have to go into town to use Northgate Library. Appalling. If you are making 30% savings, presumably you will be giving me a corresponding 30%

reduction in my council tax bill? very short sighted. The service we have now is very good and it would be wasteful to let it dwindle due to a reluctance of the coucil to fund it properly. I believe the funding for the library is actually very small in the scheme of things and it is being picked on as an easy target Diabolical-you were not elected to divest services don't fix what isn't broke. Once a library has gone it will never come back, there will always be something else at the top of the list. It is essential that any proposals ensure the continuance of the kind of service to whci we have become accustomed! Fair Anything involving library closures is simply unacceptable!!! Very shortsighted - a cop out. Terrible -a kick in the teeth of suffolk people Not much - you just want to make cuts. Just increase the council tax and lets keep an excellent service. If you think cutting the library services its a awfull idea we dont want to sit in front of the TV all day long. Librarys have been going for decades so please don't close Capel Library. Any idea is good if it keep county libraries viable. Leave library at Capel St Mary as it is I think that other areas are less important to the community than libraries, e.g. press staff and you should consider removing these before you cut frontline services. Council departments could handle their own press needs. I think taking the CSD contract back inhouse, and perhaps sharing services with other Councils, would also save a massive amount of money if properly managed. Savings must be made and the district and/or parish council may have to ask for volunteers to run the libraries on a day to day basis. As money has to be saved I agree with the baisc proposals - the number of libraries currently in Suffolk is a luxury - not a necessity. Health, Social Care and care of the elderly is more important. Nevertheless every effort, by all bodies, should be made to keep as many libraries open as possible. The libaray service is a very good service and that should be closed down. I think that it is disgraceful that you are considering closing any library in Suffolk. Southwold library is extremely well used by all ages of people within the communities of Southwold and Reydon. The staff have worked very hard to make the library a focus for the local community. Tired I am greatly saddened at the threat to our county's library services. It is all very well to ask volunteers to run them, but many of the groups who benefit most from library services are not in a position to contribute in this way. As the mother of two small children, I use the library frequently but I do not have spare time to help run it! Please also consider the not-inconsiderable cost of training up numerous volunteers. Librarians are highly qualified information providers, and are not easily replaced by unskilled volunteers. It would also be extremely difficult for young mums and disabled or mobility-restricted people like myself to go to a large town to access library services - the effort involved would probably outweigh the benefits, and overall borrowing and library use will go down as a result. I've read the documents three times, and the only proposal I can see is that you are looking to close them. On a like for like basis, Gainsborough Library in Ipswich (open for 52 hours a week) has 1.1 visits per capita per annum - Debenham has 36! I think the facts speak for themselves Appalling I think the library service is so important for the community - I hope it will continue in is present form.

I think some of them could work. I suspect they wont be popular with many people as we have got used to having an excellent library service and knowing what to expect from it. I think this consultation is one of the worst documents of its kind that i have seen for the following reasons - it precludes people expressing their real views as it only outlines particular options it is couched in inaccessible language and council jargon that make it completely inaccessible to probably 75% of the population. It does not appear to be available in minority languages, large print, braille or any other format and many people will not be able to complete it online as they dont have the computer access. Didnt find your proposals very clear. How will you save 30% of costs? Not laid out anywhere I think if the service is reduced it will be a retrograde step which will damage the community forever Very short-sighted This is not a consultation document. You are paid to provide us with a service, not to get us to do your work for you. Library users have lots of ideas - why should we share them with an elected & paid body who are trying to wriggle out of their responsibilities? Extremely worrying. The library service is at the heart of the community and an essential part of cultural enrichment. The disadvantaged in particular will miss out if cuts of 30% are implemented. They are foolish, damaging to the economy, education and social cohesion we do understand the cuts have to be made and pressure made on the county council but local libraries are vital part of our local community As in all ideas, if they work they're brilliant, if the don't they're rubbish. Reprehensible. A backward step, one which will have repercussions. Any County which inaugurates this regime will create a two tier system between those who can afford books and computers and those who cannot. Great Britain will be a laughing stock, eventually becoming an uneducated third world country. My comment on your proposals is as follows. The consultation process is not user friendly i.e individual library members. there is no designated answer box for any member to answer as an individual. My personal feeling is of dismay as I use the library regularly and I have never seen Beccles empty it is a thriving part of our community and very well used,by a varied clientel,i.e.IT club,grandparents/children,Mums meeting place with youngsters,school children using study space the list goes on. I think it is very sad that you want to close our library. Many people rely on this facility. I myself am a student and the library has been a great help with research for my college projects. Horrified! My family and I regularly use the library and would really miss it. Please don't close Stowmarket Library!!! Four years of no pay increase. SCC funding of 2% of budget 250000/year chief exec Something wrong I think I am concerned that a predominantly rural area with limited informal learning uptake will have even less access opportunities to community learning AND resources I think it will mean closed libraries at worst and a sub standard service at best, with limited resources and opening hours. Totally disagree If you sacked the heads of departments who by your own addmittance have mis managed the budgets by overspending we could save at least 4 libraries. We pay for sevices which you want to take away and it is about time that the council listened to the electorate. This Questionaire is biased in favour of SCC and should have included adequate space for objectios to proposed closures Good in general but more could be done as I have outlined above. Rubbish. Sort your priorities out as local people want - not what you want. I understand cuts are coming, but the criteria which appear to being applied are too black and white. Libraries which are successful live and breathe. The number of issues as a criteria should be

scrapped. Very sorry that you even consider proposing to target libraries especially Lakenheath library.Perhaps your proporsor doesn't appreciate just how important libraries are or perhaps he/she does use their library!! Savings should be found in efficiencies in admin The emphasis of what I have read is too framed towards the more vulnerable of our community, and does not consider enough the needs of the majority. The Running Libraries document seems to be a good beginning. The crux of the problem however, is not what is offered by libraries and how they are perceived, but how can the service maintain its services on a diminishing budget. I am not in favour of the overall proposals. Can you realistically replace trained staff with volunteer groups? Awful, our nearest library will be Haleworth, how will I get there? There is no bus service and would cost 6.66 in petrol. Please let me know what I will have to do to get there? Norfolk Library service would be nearer. agree that it is a service that may need to be looked at to deliver savings for the county council Would be more pleased if the threat of closure was not there at all i think that you should not be considering the closing of any libraries. Although i do feel the mobile service is one area that could be closed, it is not as cost effective per book loan and it has less attendance, these people could be offered the books on wheels service where volunteers deliver books to the elderly. If 44% of adults use the library service per year then it should not be cut. For some people the library offers them a place to read a book, use the computer, to meet other people with the library activites. Times are hard at the momment many families have low incomes, some people cannot afford to buy books, but they still want to read, many families cannot afford the internet, but they still want to gain and expand there knowledge. For many people it provides social interaction that they would otherwise not have.By closing libraries we are going to cut off vital links with these people. obviously the idea is for them to travel to the larger county library, but this is not good because firstly they will either have to drive in or use public transport, which all adds to the congestion and polution. Also the cost of taking your family on the bus into town is extremely expensive these days. So yet again it is the less well off people of the community that suffer because they won't be able to afford to travel to the towns to the library. You will lose the professional service and quality that has been an inherent part of Suffolk Libraries. They do not take up a lot of money so why not keep them as they are and save money in other ways . fghfgh The people who use local small libraries most cannot run them. As an example, I am a Mother of an 11month old baby. I use Kessingland library for the twice weekly Totrock/Babybounce groups and to rent book, DVDs and audiobooks. I find this conventient as I do not have access to a car in the week and the library is within walking distance. I would be unable to volunteer to work in the library because of my baby but if the library closes he would miss out most. The library, in my experience, is used mostly by mums, children and older people and is a life line for many who would not be able to volunteer. To close Kessingland library makes no sense as it is brand new and widely used. Good Thin end of the wedge! Terrible. Libraries are a free resource for so many people. I belong to a book club and the library service enables us to meet regularly on a social basis - already we find that you cannot supply copies of current books, so we have to buy some - if we have to buy more we will have to shut down. Mobiles are essential for many remote villages. Children and young adults have a safe place to go to in the towns, as do older people. Really you should be spending more on resources and less on the buildings - for example the new library at Woodbridge is frankly a waste of money - smart space, no

more books, no improvement on old. I feel strongly that you should employ professional helpful people (such as Orford mobile libraryman) - we do not need old folks 'doing their best'.

Dreadful. I think you should have come up with more ideas rather than just saying you are going to cut and sort it out yourselves. After all what do I pay my community tax for and what on earth have you been doing with it in the past? I am well aware of government cuts but I really think running costs of staff and the current buildings you use should have been the first to cut. Appalling, why should the access to libraries be sacrificed when the real issues of deficit creation remains with the city of London banking system. If the County councils idea is to further damage public services because of a short term vision and advancement of their own political carers then they truly underestimate the value of libraries within society and its future development. I understand that there need to be volunteers - but if it is only vounteers, it will become chaotic and disorganized, and will need some people that are guaranteed to be there. Also, need to keep in mind the rural libraries, which i mentioned in the previous question. The reply form is far too difficult and user unfriendly to say in any way what the overall proposals will bring forth in the way of response from the general library using public. Ill thought out! In a couple of years it will become obvious that the local community, however energetic in their enthusiasm right now, will not be able to cope and will lose interest. If the Chief Exec wants to drastically reduce outgoings, outsourcing is a "cop out". Why not shake up the entire council structure, get committment by giving responsibility to trained staff at a much lower level, reward them more. Remove the many layers of management that only exist to complicate communication and disatisfy all the council workers who are already there and wanting to do a good job! I am NOT a council worker! Appalling, short sighted and not benefitting the very people who need them. The library at Stoke is a community hub there is no other in the area. There has not been a youth club for years there is a proposal to close the sports centre take away the library and there is nothing. It is a haven for many children and adults as anyone who has visited would know. I think it wrong headed. Don't destroy front line services. Get rid of bureaucracy. Don't pick on the low paid. Reduce the number of the higher paid bureaucrats in the education office radically. Absolutely against them. Completely against them. I am extremely satisfied with the way in which our library is run, the staff are welcoming and helpful, nothing is too much trouble for them. There are many activities taking part there and it is a valuable source of local information which I found very helpful when I moved to the area, in fact the library was one of the deciding factors (other than being near my daughter) when I moved here. If you have not got your own transport or access to a computer, in my opinion it is a vital part of my life and also of other pensioners living in Clare We love our library, but give our time as volunteers to 3 other groups. How can we give more time to help? Very sad that these proposals are having to be made at all. Once these proposals are put into place future generations will not know how good the service previously was. To be honest, as I support my library I think spending should be spread. Nobody else should lose their jobs. Volunteers are good Sundays. You need librarians proper. I like my library now. It's not a good idea what what you propose. Suffolk's not any part of country so cant use or compare others. Its county town too busiest part. NB Suffolk CC money can be spread equally between all elderly and disabled use library. I'm disabled.

I think it very poor that so many rural communities may not have a library service and may have to travel several miles to beable to borrow books carry out research etc. I think it would not encourage childrens interest in reading andwould also prevent them from carrying out research for homework purposes. Every effort should be made to keep library services going not in agreement totally wrong on the face of it quite reasonable but local communities must not lose their libraries the council must take responsibility for ensuring that libraries are not closed under any circumstances as they are alifeline for rural communities What a sad reflection on our society that we are talking about reducing such a wonderful service.This financial crisis was in large part due to malpractice in banks.One investment banker`s bonus might save the whole library service.How many of Southwold`s population work in The City? Why not leaflet the numerous holiday homes in Southwold and ask them to financially support the community library? Once again we have a government that knows the price of everything but the value of nothing. County council should be running library service The library should stay open as a lot of people depend on it, it is also a meeting place for a lot of people County council to continue providing service I think the council should take responsibility for the running of libraries and they should be closing any of them Think the council should think again about what the people of Suffolk want, more services and less people on large wages sitting in nice warm offices pushing computer buttons. I put it to you, if the library service no longer existed at all, then it would not be a problem for you to have to worry about! Of course noone wants to lose their service but it is inevitable that cuts will be made. It is important that libraries, like the one in Eye, which serve a wide rural area are not just dismissed on the grounds of cost alone. I believe that currently in this country, politics and money are running away with the notion of welfare and ameneties that should be available to all persons in this once great country Libraries are very important to me and i would want to see them close Rubbish The libraries have been running well for years so therefore they should continue, the council should re-think their funding towards the libraries. I definatley want to stay under the county council, because privatisation is not the answer It would be a great shame to lose any of it, people who are disadvantaged in any way benefit from the library service. Maybe schools could make more use of public libraries i think its ridiculous A disaster. Looking at a map and plumping to keep libraries open in those areas most densely populated is a terrible mistate. Rural libraries are essential. If Halesworth, Framlingham, Saxmundham, Leiston and Aldeburgh Libraries are closed it will be a shameful betrail by Suffolk County Council. Members of my family would need to make a 1 hour bus trip costing 3 to get to the nearest library in Woodbridge, how can this possibly be a good idea, or even workable, a trip to the library would become a whole day excursion, rediculous, costly and descriminatory against the less well off. So sad, please save our libraries, please keep them as they are. I agree with your views but to be realistic there are going to be closures and it must be up to the residents and the community as a whole to carry this forward You seem to indicate that the Ixworth Library would remain open, if this is the case we would still be more than happy to contribute.

Not at all happy I think every effort should be made to raise funds instead of taking the money away! If the library is manned, utilise this and sell more to raise an income. See above In the light of current financial situation it seems reasonable, if not what one would desire utter rubbish As Norfolk are not closing any of their libraries, why does Suffolk feel the need "a library revolution", surely money could be saved in other areas ie Suffolk County Council Executives pay. I believe the library service should remain as a funded and staffed service within the management of the county council. Closure of a Library may have a significant knock-on effect to the local shopkeepers. Visits to a library are often combined with use of the local shops. If for example, Framlingham Library were to be closed, we would transfer a larger part of our regular shopping to Halesworth. (Laxfield resident). I believe in libraries for all staffed by dedicated, trained personnel (not volunteers). I feel that libraries are a valued establishment for a community. For many elderly people they are the highlight of their day and are now at threat of closure like so many other pillars o f the community such as rural pubs, post offices and corner shops. Your proposals shortchange the community and will lead to job losses of the professional staff who run our libraries. It will be apparent from my previous comments that I am not in favour of your proposals. An attack on a soft target. I'm sure there are other ways of making savings in the council as a whole, such as eliminating waste. If a town like Eye ends up woith no council run services (as is rumoured), can the residents expect a 30% decrease in council tax . . . . ? They need to be re-considered,and any closures need to be thoroughly justified. In an ideal world these facilities would be ringfenced, but the sheer cost of one authority running all these services cannot be realistically sustained. ok. However the library does also provide a safe place for the lonely to go 6 days a week. I think the proposals are misguided,and not well thought out.Other county councils such as Norfolk and Devon are not considering closures of any of their libraries,and no doubt are achieving their efficiencies in other ways.Perhaps you could consult with them. Devastating. Regressive. Ignorant. Lacking in any consideration for the future prosperity of this country. With all the cuts, why haven't you considerd asking people if they would be willing to pay more tax? Based on figures Andrea gave (she said 43 million would be a 15% increase in council tax, but that only 7.5 million is being cut from front line services), I figured out the increase for Band A houses per year would be around 30, and for Band B 37. People could find this! And most, like me, would be willing to pay it to keep policing, libraries, old people's homes, youth work, school crossing patrols, street lights, fire stations open, etc. Why are we not being given the democratic choice? We don't want these cuts!! I am very much against the libraries closing. I, and my family, rely on them heavily for a variety of excellent resources. I'm a student and use the books and internet as vital sources of information, as well as taking my younger siblings to your arts and crafts Sundays at Woodbridge Library. Good to be flexible and let communities take over if they have the manpower and the ideas. We need to keep books around for children (and the rest of us). The more vulnerable people will suffer most if libraries go - the rest of us can afford to buy from amazon. I feel very strongly that the Haverhill library should remain open and continue to expand its range of resources and activities on offer. Absolute rubbish. Shameful

Discrimination against people who live in the outlying areas. It already costs enough in petrol to get even the basic necessities. What about the mobile services? Will these be increased to make up for the loss of the permanent libraries? I think the fact that you have to look to the public for ideas on how to provide your services proves what an inneffective management team we have in Suffolk. Of course ask people what services they find most valuable but then any half decent management team should be able to work out how to deliver that on the budget you've been given using the priorities the public have given you. What are we paying you for!! Frankly it's outrageous and hopefully come the may elections we can get a team inplace that have some ideas of their own to bring to the table. I also don't think it is fair that although our financial contribution as citizens is the same no matter where we live, through tax and council tax it seems to be that services to rural communities are going to see the most cuts. If town communities are the only ones who will benefit from the county facilities then they should have to pay more for them. I don't think it's fair that we have to subsidise their entertainment. While I think that the excessive public expenditure of the last decade, incurring the current 150 billion annual deficit and the horrendous and increasing public debt, estimated at between nearly one and more than three years' GDP, being bequeathed to this generation's children and grandchildren, must be eliminated and repaid as soon as possible, it is regrettable that such an valuable service as that provided by public libraries should have to be curtailed at the same time as so much of taxpayers' money is wasted by rampant fraud, inefficiency, overpaid public executives and politically correct nonsense verging on a new intolerance. If the library incorporates local businesses to keep it running then I am in favour of this approach. I do not think that closing a well used communal service is a healthy approach to cutting costs. If Kesgrave Library has some facilities that can be used by local businesses, then this is one approach to keeping it open, for example a coffee shop or card shop or perhaps postal services. Dreadful to think we might lose it!! I've been a library member for 66 years and without it I would be totally lost. As a pensioner I cannot afford to buy as many books as I am able to get from my library.To lose it would be like losing a limb!!!!! They appear to be reasoanable. Our local library is excellent with very knowledgable staff. Disastrous The real needs of local communities have not been considered at all. It all just seems to be one big cost saving exercise - if the Chief Exec at SCC took a pay-cut, maybe a library could be saved. Why are libraries always the first thing to be cut? 5 A good way to save money but still provide a service to Suffolk. A community hub is a possible way forward but I would need to know more about it before I whole heartedly endorsed it. The use of pubs or a community cafe would be ok except where, like in Lavenham, the library is already part of the community although the services maybe could be expanded. I know we are in resession but the trouble is how many other services will we be asked to support. I am in full time employment and run my own business, with a family to support as well. I expect my Council Tax to pay for the libarary service, I do not expect to see it managed by volunteer workers with little if any experience of library work, or businesses in for a quick buck. It is no good just guaranteeing the continuation of the county libraries and washing your hands of the remaining 29. SCC should make it clear that they will continue to support any of the 44 libraries that can make a case for reducing its costs by 30%. Dreadful, I shouldn't be surprised really, Suffolk County Council only really cares for the larger centres of population

Acceptable in the current climate but generally reviewing management salaries and job roles could provide savings across a council. Individuals we see providing the service are doing a great job delivering what people want its the behind closed door wastage that should be reviewed as part of the library cut backs. Can the library book reserving system reviewed i.e. a certain number of books have to be collected at a library before they go to the collection library? To minimise book movement and save costs on transport - although in practice I'm sure it is difficult to collate/store books in small libraries and would mean large numbers of books are out of circulation waiting to be collected/distributed. Streamlining or cutting services does not necessariy mean money is saved, it just means someone else has to do it for less money. My own comments and as I write them I realise it is a mammouth task lets hope you do spend some time to think all ideas through before enforcing closures. The problem with shutting any library is that a huge resource for the community is then lost. People who would not be able to reach another library must be considered. What alternatives will you offer for those who do have the means to reach other libraries? This is also applies for other mobile library services. There are many older people who will never be able to fill in this document due to the fact that it is done online. I feel that this is unfair, these people have long paid taxes into this country, they are not being given a chance to state their opinion. Can you not design a simpler, paperbased qustionnaire? It seems as if the library service is moving towards becoming a digital service, many people will not like this as they are not familiar with, or do not have access to a computer. Will training be given to poeple so they can use these services? This may be vital to those who live in rural communities and will no longer be able to reach a library. What proposals? Isn't this a consultation? Very depressing -- how can young and old keep up wth modern life wihtout access to books and journals. obviously, budget cuts mean that our services will suffer but access to literature is vital for everyone, i hope we can keep library closures to a minimum They are outrageous and all involved should hang their heads in shame. Suffolk county council receieves an enormous amount of revenue through the council tax on the understanding it will use the money to maintain services. Yet when cutbacks have to be made it is the frontline services most needed and cherished by those paying the tax which appear to be targetted first. Once these libraries are gone they will be lost forever. The council should think long and hard about whether it can make cuts in other areas before aiming its cuts at the community libraries which are an enormously valued resource, often the only focal point in a community. brought a lot of dislike from the media and local residents and caused much unpopularity for the council members I can see that it makes sense generally, but it would be disappointing to lose community libraries which have often been the place that have fostered childrens interests in books, reading and learning. I BELIEVE THE PROPOSED CLOSURE OF THE COMUNITY LIBRARIES IS YET ANOTHER BLOW TO RURAL LIFE. SO IT SEEMS THE RURAL AREAS WITH THE SMALLEST VOICE ARE TO BE HIT YET AGAIN NOW THE CLOSURE OF OUR LIBRARIES IS HIDDEN IN A WAY THAT IS SET TO MAKE IT OUR FAULT. NOT ALL CAN TRAVEL TO THE COUNTY LIBRARIES THEIR REMOVAL WOULD ALSO REMOVE INTERNET ACESS FROM THOSE WHO HAVE NONE FOR VARIOUS REASONS. WHERE WILL THOSE ATTEMPTING TO SELF EDUCATE AND CHILDREN WHOSE PARENTS CANNOT AFFORD OR REFUSE TO BUY BOOKS BORROW THEM PERHAPS THE COST OF THE WHOLE CABINET/COUNCIL CONSULTATION WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER SPENT ON FINDING WAYS OF MAKING THE LIBRARIES WORK. PERHAPS LOCAL GOVERMENT SHOULD JUST LEARN TO SAY NO TO THE GOVERMENT AND NAME THOSE RESPONSIBLE ALONG WITH THEIR PROPOSALS SO WE KNOW WHO IS RESPONSIBLE. THE CEASING OF PUBLISHING LEAFLETS IN FORIGN LANGUAGES AT LOCAL AND NATIONAL LEVEL WOULD PROBABLY SAVE A FORTUNE THAT COULD BE BETTER SPENT ON LIBRARIES RIES. MAYBE THE GOVERMENT AT ALL

LEVELS WISHES FOR A UNINFORMED AND UNEDUCATED NATION.

I see that the proposals are framed with a strong sense of inevitability. My concern is you will close all the smaller libraries and sell them off and just do a mobile service, as this would be see nas easier and create more revenue than working with local communities to find individual solutions for each one. Poor. A few points: - With the expected increase in people out of work, the library service should be growing not retracting. - I wonder what will happen in less affluent areas where there is less social capital and no affluent early retired people ready to take on this service? - what about consistency of service, culture and 'ethics'? The current library service does an excellent job in welcoming all comers and providing non judgemental help to those that need it. The potential risk is that a self-selecting group of middle class people may operate the library more as a 'club' for people like them. By the way, I found this consultation poorly constructed. Are you really interested in what library users think or just canvassing for groups to take over libraries? I also take exception to the implicit 'threat' in your consultation document where you suggest that if the public does not come up with ideas, funding will be cut. This is an extraordinary approach when you are encouraging people to give up their time to run a service which they have every right to expect the county council to provide on their behalf. When NM library closes (as I think it will for the reasons outlined above) It will be unlikely that I or my children will acess the librabries in Ipswich Or stowmarket as this would invole an expensive unreliable bus trip (what with bury road park and ride closing too). There is very limited free paking within walking distance of either of these libraries I do not want the added expense of paying for parking or a bus to visit the library. You will estentially be making it impossible for me to access library services with out considerable time and money input. 30% of children in early years education have significant speech and language problems and removing library services from communities will stack the odds up against these children even furthur. Would not want volunteers having access to personal info ...including choice of books i think they are going to make it more difficult for the public to use and also reflect badly on those employed by the service I am sad that it has come to this, I feel the library service as it is, is wonderful. The ability to borrow media, often free of charge, means that many people are involved in activities such as reading, that they otherwise would not be able to afford to do. As a starting point, with the savings required at this early stage I dont know what else you could do. Deeply saddened that it has come to this No problems Sad but in the circumstances of the tragic state of the countrys finances, they are the best that can be expected. We HAVE to reduce the countrys debt... or we will be like |Ireland. Try to enlist as much support from community as posssible. Savings must be made and the county seems to be doing its best I think given the economic crisis we are facing, it is reasonable to expect library services to be cut/reduced as part of the whole costcutting exercise. I am not sure what I would prefer to lose in it's place but I know I'd rather have some form of local library no matter how pared back it was.

Dreadful, sad and shameful. The fact that most members of staff found out about closures through the press is shocking. I cannot afford the amount of books that my 6 yr old reads in a week, yet alone a year. Libraries are the only safe, public place for anyone and the council is taking it away, utterly shameful. I do not support any cut to the library service. Before cutting library funding which affects local residents the council should stop things such things as free translation services that only benefit non locals. Review of staff salaries and pensions is also needed I am reminded of the phrase "when did you stop beating your wife". This is an irrational discussionwe all benefit from a more educated and well read population. If we can read we get better jobs and contribute more to the local economy. Even the Victorians recognise the benefits of public libraries. I guess it has to happen, but I hope it it will not be ruined forever. Disgusting to cut this vital service to my commuunity. Oulto Broad Library building is bequethed to the commnity and it should stay a community library A very short term view. We cannot continue to support our education system without a library system. A report out today shows that leaning is greater by the pen than by the keyboard. Nothing can replace reading a book! A computer screen is not the same and film and animation does not allow for the imagination. I DO NOT AGREE WITH THEM Interesting - but vital to have the county network still in operation, so we can borrow books from any of the libraries, community or county. I'm not sure it's going to save that much money, since you still need to provide an IT service, and service the community libraries. One thing that does concern me is the potential lack of professional librarian advice - there seems to be less and less of that expertise around. I hope it all doesn't lead to "dumbing down" libraries - there's enough of that already on TV!! Also, I would really miss the help of knowledgeable music service staff. Catastrophic!! Many people use a library, because it is free,who would never otherwise buy a book or even read a book. The closure of so many libraries will be a big set-back to general literacy. Doing away with libraries will reduce not enhance community relationships, will deprive many of the choice of rreading material. Please see my comments on previous page You need to listen to the public! Stop making the decisions before the consultation process begins. Suffolk has an excellent library service, I have lived elsewhere and am always surprised at how terribly other counties run their services. I have been a member of SCC libraries since I was a baby and I still take my children to use our local library on a weekly basis. I do not agree with closing libraries or cutting costs to any public service. It is a VERY old fashioned way of looking at things and creates resentment in the community. Instead, the council should be looking at what it can put in to a community such as Oulton Broad instead of what it can take away. I understand the need to make savings but the possibilty of 29 libraries closing is obscene. Many of the small rural communitues rely on their library for so much more than just being able to borrow a book, for some it is a lifeline. Public transport in rural Suffolk is a joke and not everyone particularly the elderly and most vulnerable people in society can drive or have access to a car. Not a lot, we would just like it to stay as it Libraries are so important to the community, they should definatley not be closed. Parents with young children bringing them into activities and to borrow books actively encouraging another genteration to use the services, the libraries promote social interaction. Not happy As I said above, if you close Leiston, Aldeburgh and Saxmundham you will leave us with nothing in this area. I don't know the future for mobile libraries; On a personal level, I could probably manage with these as I order most of my books up on line - but the At Home Library Serice would no longer be able to function.

Disgusting, money for education is going elsewhere and should be spent on libraries and schools I thinks the libraries provide an excellent service and should stay as they are and not be closed NOT impressed Shocking Cannot believe that SCC are gioing from one extreme to another- for years they have been pumping the money into libraries and could easily have cut costs. Eg 1000s on Radio/ press advertising that all libraries were now open on a Sunday, not charging to request books from other libraries, even if on the other side of the county. To now want to close so many rural libraries that offer so many services to such a wide range of people really does seem absurd. It sucks I don't think any libraries should be closed. The value of libraries cannot be underestimated. Despite using libraries for over 40 years I still feel a sense of excitement about going in not knowing what I might find to read or to take out from the non-fiction section. The ability to order books from the catalogue is another service I value highly as it gives more choice. The computers are constantly used for those without computers at home. I have seen foreigners living in the area use the computer to email their family and have seen people use the computer and advice from the librarian to find out about benefits or other services they may need. Small children get very excited about being in the library and it provides stimulus for everyone. It makes for stark reading to hear that if a viable way to save 30% of running costs is not found then 29 libraries will be shut. It's despicable what's happening to the libraries. I'm heartbroken about it. Surely it cannot be beyond the wit of man to cut down on white collar tax evasion, which costs 3 billion a year!? How about the hundreds of thousands of pounds Andrea Hill is paid? The simple truth is that communities are being destroyed and everyday people are paying with their jobs to fund the bankers. That is not right. It's pure cynicism and greed. On a personal note I used to run poetry and writing groups in libraries across Ipswich and Woodbridge and I saw elderly people at Ipswich Library take real and simple pleasure in meeting up at such events. That had value and meant something. But like Oscar Wilde said: cynics know the price of everything and the value of nothing. Reasonable. But it is essential to continue to provide as extensive an access to borrowing books as possible. Ineffective - no libraries should close. I don't think they should be outsourced in any way. They are a public service and a way should be found to maintain them as such. They are part of our infrastructure. Whilst understanding the reasons for cutting money, I believe the Library system should stay intact as an important tool to both spread the love of books and as cultural centres. From my experiences with SCC this piffling sum of money could be better saved by cutting the Byzantine bureaucracy at Endeavour House. The worry me greatly. Rose Hill library must stay open - it is very important to me and I would not be able to get to any other library. To lose 29 out of our 44 libraries would be heatbreaking to the people of suffolk. To say that this is a library revolution is ridiculous. I dont think any should close See above I think cutting library services and closing libraries is incredibly short-sighted and will have a very negative long-term impact on the county as a whole. Libraries help the disadvantaged access books and services that they may not otherwise be able to afford. Libraries with Bookstart activities encourage a love of reading in children and ultimately, the education of our children has a larger impact on the economics and criminality of the county. Any cutting of library service is to the detriment of our community and the education of our children. I think the county council's cuts are

in the wrong places.

A complete disgrace. A county without libraries will have a poorly educated population which will be unable to attract the high tech, high value jobs the county needs to pay for its services. Its a false economy to disembowel the service. Need more information to answer this. Much is still unclear. As ever cuts across the county hit those most in need. With the proposed cut to book start, clubs for the very old and young, the need to cut library funding will only exacerbate these problems. Combining these needs will hopefully reduce the cost of the most expensive problem, that of lighting, heating and maintenance of properties for public use. It is a sad state of affairs that we have come to this and we are returning to pre War division of haves and have nots. Whilst libraries are not as important as what is left of the NHS, schools and social services they are vital in helping people have access to information and educational/recreational resources. With the big cuts in public transport, the cost of petrol/diesel communities will become increasingly isolated and without places to have access to information, knowledge & recreation. I think your attitude to the libraries is uncaring, deliberately designed to pave the way for the wholesale closure of the library service in Suffolk and small minded in the extreme. They would be a severe loss to the area if closed crazy! many of the people proposing these cuts and closures have probably never set foot in a library, if they did they would see the vast services provided, as well as books the knowledge from the staff would be lost forever. also regarding the internet, which is a lifeline to people who do not have access at home, how can people apply for jobs once they have been discarded by s.c.c if libraries are to close. as for the survey cannot see anyones opinions are going to make any difference, as decisions have probably been made, and this survey is not going to make any difference to outcome. I am alarmed as it is a long established core public service. Normally community groups are underfunded and under supported by volunteers, purely because not enough people have the required amount of time and energy to do the job. We all have to earn a living and look after our families before we can find time to volunteer. The proposals are poorly thought out, and do not take into account the crass overpayment of your senior staff, nor the importance of providing library and other core cultural services free of charge across the county. Whilst our libraries burn, the county's elected and non-elected members burn our money on expenses and overblown salaries. I think that based on the statistics for Rosehill, some of the analysis of library usage maybe flawed and I recommend further detailed analysis is undertaken in order to ensure the correct classification of libraries into county or community. Very poor. It is all very well to suggest that libraries are to be run by communtiy organisations or parish councils where they exist and are capable but where does that leave the town libraries like Rosehill, Westbourne and Stoke. We dont have parish councils to fall back on. Even if there were neighbourhood groups in the area would they be capable of taking on such an important resource? Also if ROsehill were to close me and my family would probably never use a library again. Gainsborough is too far and Ipswich is to big and disorganised and too much trouble to get too with the lack of parking in town and buses being too expensive for a family of 5. My children would never take part in the summer reading challenge again as the remaining few libraries would be far too busy. My boys look forward to this each year and as you must know encouraging boys to read is a big problem. They read more during the summer than the whole school year. I also worry about the quality of the book stock in SUffolk as with taking 29 libraries out you will have less space for stock so the quality will surely decline as you will need to appeal to the lowest common denominator and

most popular chick lit type books.

In one sense,I can understand the reduction of more than 30% for the Library Service, in order to safeguard services which are obviously more essential but looked at strictly from the Library Service point of view , this is obviously unfair. If Fire Service provision were down graded, think how unhappy the County Council would be to receive a bill for the full economic cost of the damage, from the homeowner or business man, whose property was damaged as a result of the reduced service. If the education budget is also to be cut, those pupils in low income families, might not even be able to supplement this shortfall by attending and borrowing books from their local library. It is a shame to even consider it! I think that the proposals for the library service have been aimed at the towns where the most people live. Brandon is not a wealthy area and if the library were closed some people might find it hard to get to the nearest one in suffolk which would Mildenhall, Newmarket or Bury St Edmunds. Brandon is a really good library, the staff are excellent, they provide an A1 service which would be sorely missed if this was not here. Keep Brandon open as not everyone can travel or can afford to travel as Brandon is not as wealthy as say Bury St Edmunds!! VERY GOOD Good I am outraged - but not surprised that SCC seems to want to privatise a large percentage of its role of serving the community. I would very much like to know how other County Councils are managing to keep their library service as a service. Where are you going to get all these volunteers from? I can see the merit in retaining libraries in major towns but in some regard these are the communities who need libraries the least. In Ipswich there is a wealth of things for young and old alike to do. In Eye, the closure of the library will be the closure of the last amenity to serve so many village communities around here. If it all generates the required savings and helps to retain our libraries then I would have no objections. The Parish Council are concerned valued services will be lost and this will be detrimental to the community, however we accept there are major changes in the way such services are provided and we are working hard to ensure a Library service continues here in Long Melford It is a disaster to think of closing the Eye library as it is intensively used. The consultation document suggests my desire to maintain expenditure on this service is financially niave; but it fails to make the case as to why Libraries should take a disproportionate hit when it comes to cuts - where is the value vs cost analysis of the library service that demonstrates it is less important than other services? In addition the Council does us a dis-service by not arguing against the overall level of cuts being demanded by central government (see answer to question 4 above). The libraries offer a service which goes way beyond that of lending out books and materials. Investing in libraries gives a social return on investment which is immeasurable to the community. From the people who come in and get information - how do you account for that? It's not in your lending figures is it? to the people who come and use the internet to search for work - also not included in your figures - Basing decisions on numbers of books lent misses the point of Suffolk's libraries entirely. Very sad. Once again the rural communities, arguably the exact people who don't have access to other entertainment, will lose out.

Not at all impressed The ceasing of funding for community libraries will restrict access to a vital community resource for large parts of the county. Defining the areas containing the community libraries as largely affluent ignores both the individual members of these communities who are not affluent and who do not have access to alternatives or to transport and it fails to take in to account that this part of the county also includes some of the county's most deprived areas (e.g. Peasenhall). I receive a very good service from Stowmarket library. They have helped me find a job, helped with self assessment and job evaluation, and ofcourse books. Rubbish Rubbish. Ill thought-out and impossible to sustain. All those libraries handed over to community groups to run will either in a few years sink into oblivion or have to be incorporated back into some "county" run system. To sustain the enthusiasm of community groups over the course of several years will be almost impossible to achieve. Where are parish councils, town councils going to get their money from to sustain the upkeep of such institutions. How much money do iniatives such as coffee shops actually contribute to the upkeep of a vibrant, comprehensive library. It is a complete outrage and an act of cultural and societal vandalism for ideological reasons. At the a county Council needs to retain these services rather than washing their hands of them. Not good. Libraries are an important resource for the community and should be preserved and improved upon - not closed. Children especially benefit from access to books which many people cannoyt afford to buy - and with the general literacy level of our children falling, surely closing libraries will only contribute to a society becoming more illiterate? unsatisfactory terrible With significant commecialisation and cost reduction the 30% target will not be achieved. Harsh it may be i think you will be faced with adopting something similar to a "use it or lose it" philosophy I think it is a complete disaster - they are part of daily life, they service a rural population, they are a lifeline to local communities. There is so much more to living than money - people are becoming more isolated as meeting places dwindle. i think that the library service is very important. i understand that cost cutting is vital at this time but libraries are also vital and taking small community libraries away is not the way to do it. i think joining up local services such as post offices could work in the long term but would cause more expense in the short term so asking members for a joining fee or a small contribution to borrow the books would be better, people might not borrow so many books at once but they would still borrow 1. "We can delegate the running of the service to another council": delegating without money means that taxation is simply moved, and it takes time in local government for that to happen anyway. "even to a council outside Suffolk": are you joking? How does that save any money? Not only have you got your own admin costs, but you've got the cost of contracting and monitoring too! Be realistic! 2. "We may invite Suffolk community groups to bid to take on the running of a library, and this is more likely for community libraries." Without money, community groups would spend all their time raising funds and none of it running and governing the service. Unpaid School Governors generally manage schools well, acting like unpaid company directors, but they don't have to raise the money to do it. THere's only so much money around that community groups can raise; people don't have unlimited pockets to dig into. 3. "We may open up the opportunity more widely to all potential providers, and this is more likely for county libraries." Well go ahead if you want, but I think this is cloud cuckoo land. 4. "We may, if appropriate, negotiate directly with a suitable organisation to take over the running of a library." I assume this is contracting out, which might save a bit of money but not 30%. I am concerned As above

It's a real shame that the cuts are going to affect the existence of some libraries, the extent of opening hours if volunteers are used & in turn the services, the loss of experience if staff are not retained & the increase in jobless figures for our region. Rural villages are facing cuts in all services, you just seem to have added libraries to the list. Elderly people in particular are going to suffer increasing isolation, and this will cost the council more money. I understand the need for cost savings to be made and can see the logic in county and community libraries but I will really miss my community library if it goes. It's much more personal than the main library in Ipswich and can respond more flexibly to the demands of it's clients. A simply dreadful, ideological proposal that will permanently damage provision if implemented.