Speaking at the Council debate on 5th March on the budget, Heather chose a subject close to her heart, the Borough’s libraries.

Heather explained that she is a regular user of Sutton library and indeed  felt she contributed to its income through the fines for late library books that she makes!

The  budget papers indicated that total target savings for Libraries and Heritage amount to £913,000.  And yet, not a single library had been closed in the borough.  In fact, listening to what residents want has meant that Sutton was actually investing in new library services rather than closing them down to great uproar,  as was the case with many other councils.

Heather commented on a visit to the library in the Life Centre, which was exciting, well used and, with moving stacks for the books, very flexible.  The computers there had been fully used and families were gathered  around the computers, using them together ,

The relocation of the Carshalton Library to the soon to be refurbished Westcroft Centre was another imaginative development and residents would be able to choose books and other library services after having a swim or using the gym.

At the main Sutton Library Heather had found that there was an innovative investment in e books, plus advice for beginners as to how to use the,  She had read that there were something like 16,000 books in e form.

Finally she pointed out that in spite of all the scaremongering the mobile library still served those who found it heard to leave their home.  She concluded with,

“ I am pleased that we have been able to use the Smarter Sutton Services Review to look at how we can improve our services whilst still saving money.  I am so glad that we have not had to close any libraries.