Woodhall Spa is very fortunate to have a well used Library and there was understandable concern when its opening hours were drastically reduced.  
Lincolnshire County Council explained the 8 hour reduction by means of their Fundamental Library Review.  Cluster groups of Libraries were created so that while individual libraries within a group had hours reduced, residents could access services at the other Libraries within the cluster group.  Thus creating an impression of improved provision. Woodhall Spa was grouped with Horncastle and Tattershall /Coningsby. So when Woodhall Spa Library was shut, residents could either travel to Horncastle or Tattershall/Coningsby to access services. Our Library was the most harshly treated in terms of hours lost and yet it was the busiest in the cluster according to LCC statistics.

This was the basis of our argument with LCC. Why did the busiest Library in the cluster lose the most hours?

The new opening regime was presented by LCC as a service improvement that was identified by a wide ranging consultation. In reality, harsh budgetary constraints were the driving force for the review.  

My stance was to support Woodhall Spa Parish Council (WSPC) in their efforts to have the hours reinstated. After a well attended public meeting with LCC Officers and Cllr Eddie Poll (Portfolio Holder) two hours have been reinstated. To help further the cause of the Library the Parish Council have created the Friends of Woodhall Spa Library.

In my community role I have helped with the formation of the Friends by drafting their constitution. I am also pushing to expand the Library as a community centre for the benefit of residents. A number of ideas are under discussion.

The Friends of Woodhall Spa Library are forging good relationships with Officers and hopefully this will help sustain our much valued Library.

Libraries, like Post Offices, are the social glue that bind the fabric of communities together. We should all support the Library in any way we can. Without residents making better use of its facilities we might face more cuts in future reviews. Projected cuts in government and council spending will mean that many valued services will be under threat.

Our library needs your support!