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4 Mar 99

Poole Libraries Get The Government Green Light

Poole's first annual library plan has received a very positive assessment from Culture Secretary Chris Smith.

All 149 library authorities in England had to submit their plans to the Government last September and have now had them assessed.

The Borough of Poole is commended for its developing drive to change and refocus the library service. There is special praise for the Authority's rapid move towards public access to information technology. The Internet will be available in all ten libraries in Poole from next month.

In a one to five star rating for the plan, the Borough of Poole scored four for scope and coverage, and three in the overall assessment. Council's ranking out of the 46 unitary authorities was 8th for scope and coverage, 17th in the overall assessment.

Councillor Andrew Muspratt, Chairman of the Culture and Leisure Committee said 'I'm not surprised our libraries did well. We have very committed staff and now we're investing in new technology to keep the service up to date. I want to see our libraries go from strength to strength',

Last year there were 885,000 visits to Poole libraries and nearly 1.5 million books, videos and CDs were borrowed.

Oliver Green, Head of Cultural Services, Poole Central Library. 01202 673910