Access to the librarians knowledge and support, limiting access restricts my access to choose books or a cess other documents related to my study and development
In addition, we have submitted a proposal to utilise the libraries sewing machines in a partnership with Creative Recycling to repurpose textiles and submit entries to local arts festivals while learning the lost art of sewing.
Libraries are vital assets that support learning inclusion, wellbeing and personal development. Any reduction in access disproportionately risks affecting some of the most vulnerable members of our community and limits opportunities for positive engagement and growth.
The online consultation process was confusing, unworkable and not fit for purpose. I was also confused and concerned that the consultation took place after the decision was made.
As a Desistance Officer for Justice Services, I regularly support a range of service users to access library facilities for a variety of purposes, including developing digital and IT skills, studying for driving theory tests, applying for benefits, accessing ILF funding other essential tasks. The library provides a safe welcoming and accessible space, particularly during the winter months when many struggle to meet the cost of heating their homes.
The library has also been an invaluable partner in community based activities by allowing us to run a small guitar group using instruments in the library. This has had a significant positive impact on participants including improved confidence, self esteem and learning new skills. Due to the success of this we have explored options to extend the programme to other libraries however the proposed changes will affect our ability to do this.
A group member asked if they were keyholding would they be required to let other people in? Will there be a schedule for other groups using the library at the same time? Building costs of heating up and cooling down. A suggestion was made to open the library later on a Wed or Sat so that it would be open in the afternoon. This would suit teenagers during the holidays. A group member asked if you can overturn the decision to reduce library opening hours. The group discussed a petition and speaking to their councillor. Don’t vote for the people who ensure there will be cuts. The group stated that they are not prepared to let this sit.
The people in this group know what to do if I become unwell, they have learned about my condition. I have a life outside my room. If I go to other groups or events somebody needs to come with me. Going to the HAC costs money. How do people get to the library, not everyone can afford it or has the mobility. This is a busy library. What about period poverty? This hasn’t even been mentioned. I came from Dumbarton to live here, I made friends through the library. It’s wider than just coming to the library. A group member asked if keyholding was an option. If so, would they be charged? The group member asked that it be noted that they would have a real issue if they were charged. One group member commented that it is not particularly onerous to key hold. Group could work out a rota and the group can be up and running in about 10 mins. No to keyholding if it is not free. Can’t ask people to take something on if there is no payback.
High rate of deprivation in Stevenston. One of the most deprived areas in Scotland and in Britain. Children and families borrow books. I’ve reached out to the library to order me resources, order books and it has picked my mood up. Parents borrow books, it’s easier and there is no cost. Strollers walking group meet at the library and return to the library for a cup of tea. It allows people to communicate and mix with each other. There has been a technological change – people were buying tablets but now people are reading books again. Removing a facility when people are coming back to it. Staff are good at helping people, pointing people in the right direction. People are applying for jobs and need to use the computers and can’t afford the Internet. It’s the mental health costs to society. We had our exhibition here, new people came to look at it. Where will we have it the next time? How will people find out about our group?
I was part of a working group to reinstate the School Crossing Patrollers at my daughter’s school. How do you decide who is more important?People were not told about the reduction in library opening hours, they have increased council tax. It’s disgraceful. When was this budget setting meeting, why weren’t the public allowed to go? We elected the councillors. The group are against reduction in hours, the library is something we rely on. What I disagree with is that this is playing us off against each other – groups against other groups. Can’t get away from one group being played off against another.20% cut - shouldn’t be playing us off against each other. Group asked how other libraries were affected by the cuts. Once you reduce hours it will eventually close. Shutting community facilities really annoys me. Public services continuously undergoing cuts. It’s utterly unacceptable. So sad in a time like this. It’s utterly disgraceful. It’s a disgrace.
Travelling to Saltcoats is fine if you have a car – from the bus stop to the library it’s uphill, not possible if you have mobility or breathing difficulties. Saltcoats doesn’t suit everyone. Ardrossan Library is too far for us and will be even more difficult to get to when it moves to the school.
Taking something else away from Stevenston.
Lockhart children come to the library, it’s vibrant when they are here. Socialising is important, the book group comes too. Parents come in and the children love dressing up – it’s really important for parents. Our group enjoy watching the children’s wee faces. Glencairn PS also come the library. People come in during the winter for a heat, for company and to sit and read the paper.
The civic fund should have been spent on keeping the libraries open. It's people in a boardroom making decisions. Facts and figures don't show the value of the library, the value of knitting and we have a good relationship with the staff. Stats are quantity not quality, just figures on a bit of paper, not real life. Stats don't quantify wellbeing. Facts and figures are not reality. Changing to a different day may cause mental health problems - not all will be able to attend. The group is good for wellbeing, friendships, learning how to knit bears, hats and scarves for those in need. We are working on hats for winter. We knit for charity. Keyholding wouldn't work for us, we need the support of the staff for our group and it's too much responsibility. Don't like the idea of keyholding. One group member suggested closing Ardrossan Library and keeping Stevenston open 5 days however the group members felt that this was unfair and would impact Ardrossan groups.
Access to the librarians knowledge and support, limiting access restricts my access to choose books or a cess other documents related to my study and development
In addition, we have submitted a proposal to utilise the libraries sewing machines in a partnership with Creative Recycling to repurpose textiles and submit entries to local arts festivals while learning the lost art of sewing.
Libraries are vital assets that support learning inclusion, wellbeing and personal development. Any reduction in access disproportionately risks affecting some of the most vulnerable members of our community and limits opportunities for positive engagement and growth.
The online consultation process was confusing, unworkable and not fit for purpose. I was also confused and concerned that the consultation took place after the decision was made.
As a Desistance Officer for Justice Services, I regularly support a range of service users to access library facilities for a variety of purposes, including developing digital and IT skills, studying for driving theory tests, applying for benefits, accessing ILF funding other essential tasks. The library provides a safe welcoming and accessible space, particularly during the winter months when many struggle to meet the cost of heating their homes.
The library has also been an invaluable partner in community based activities by allowing us to run a small guitar group using instruments in the library. This has had a significant positive impact on participants including improved confidence, self esteem and learning new skills. Due to the success of this we have explored options to extend the programme to other libraries however the proposed changes will affect our ability to do this.
The group discussed changing the day that they meet. The Wednesday was discussed however this didn’t suit all.
A Monday suited one group member best and gave the person more independence. The group then discussed keyholding and asked if there would be a charge.
The group discussed PB funding and whether that would cover room hire.
There are other venues we can use but we prefer to stay in the library.
It’s terrible that North Ayrshire wanted libraries used more often and encouraged people to use them. Pulled the rug from under our feet.
Missing a trick closing, people will stop coming. They’ll borrow books elsewhere - Doon the Beach is well used.
Alt Wed and Sat will be confusing. One member suggested leaving a message on the answering machine with opening times.
A group member asked if they were keyholding would they be required to let other people in? Will there be a schedule for other groups using the library at the same time? Building costs of heating up and cooling down. A suggestion was made to open the library later on a Wed or Sat so that it would be open in the afternoon. This would suit teenagers during the holidays. A group member asked if you can overturn the decision to reduce library opening hours. The group discussed a petition and speaking to their councillor. Don’t vote for the people who ensure there will be cuts. The group stated that they are not prepared to let this sit.
The people in this group know what to do if I become unwell, they have learned about my condition. I have a life outside my room. If I go to other groups or events somebody needs to come with me. Going to the HAC costs money. How do people get to the library, not everyone can afford it or has the mobility. This is a busy library. What about period poverty? This hasn’t even been mentioned. I came from Dumbarton to live here, I made friends through the library. It’s wider than just coming to the library. A group member asked if keyholding was an option. If so, would they be charged? The group member asked that it be noted that they would have a real issue if they were charged. One group member commented that it is not particularly onerous to key hold. Group could work out a rota and the group can be up and running in about 10 mins. No to keyholding if it is not free. Can’t ask people to take something on if there is no payback.
High rate of deprivation in Stevenston. One of the most deprived areas in Scotland and in Britain. Children and families borrow books. I’ve reached out to the library to order me resources, order books and it has picked my mood up. Parents borrow books, it’s easier and there is no cost. Strollers walking group meet at the library and return to the library for a cup of tea. It allows people to communicate and mix with each other. There has been a technological change – people were buying tablets but now people are reading books again. Removing a facility when people are coming back to it. Staff are good at helping people, pointing people in the right direction. People are applying for jobs and need to use the computers and can’t afford the Internet. It’s the mental health costs to society. We had our exhibition here, new people came to look at it. Where will we have it the next time? How will people find out about our group?
I was part of a working group to reinstate the School Crossing Patrollers at my daughter’s school. How do you decide who is more important?People were not told about the reduction in library opening hours, they have increased council tax. It’s disgraceful. When was this budget setting meeting, why weren’t the public allowed to go? We elected the councillors. The group are against reduction in hours, the library is something we rely on. What I disagree with is that this is playing us off against each other – groups against other groups. Can’t get away from one group being played off against another.20% cut - shouldn’t be playing us off against each other. Group asked how other libraries were affected by the cuts. Once you reduce hours it will eventually close. Shutting community facilities really annoys me. Public services continuously undergoing cuts. It’s utterly unacceptable. So sad in a time like this. It’s utterly disgraceful. It’s a disgrace.
Travelling to Saltcoats is fine if you have a car – from the bus stop to the library it’s uphill, not possible if you have mobility or breathing difficulties. Saltcoats doesn’t suit everyone. Ardrossan Library is too far for us and will be even more difficult to get to when it moves to the school.
Taking something else away from Stevenston.
Lockhart children come to the library, it’s vibrant when they are here. Socialising is important, the book group comes too. Parents come in and the children love dressing up – it’s really important for parents. Our group enjoy watching the children’s wee faces. Glencairn PS also come the library. People come in during the winter for a heat, for company and to sit and read the paper.
The civic fund should have been spent on keeping the libraries open. It's people in a boardroom making decisions. Facts and figures don't show the value of the library, the value of knitting and we have a good relationship with the staff. Stats are quantity not quality, just figures on a bit of paper, not real life. Stats don't quantify wellbeing. Facts and figures are not reality. Changing to a different day may cause mental health problems - not all will be able to attend. The group is good for wellbeing, friendships, learning how to knit bears, hats and scarves for those in need. We are working on hats for winter. We knit for charity. Keyholding wouldn't work for us, we need the support of the staff for our group and it's too much responsibility. Don't like the idea of keyholding. One group member suggested closing Ardrossan Library and keeping Stevenston open 5 days however the group members felt that this was unfair and would impact Ardrossan groups.