Closure of Bulahdelah Library discussed at meeting Bulahdelah, Wootton, Nerong by News Of The Area - Modern Media - February 21, 2017February 21, 2017 Volunteer librarian Beatrice Weeks with young reader Jack Dexter. MIDCOAST Council representatives recently met with members of the community to discuss the future of Bulahdelah Library. Modern Media: Advertise with News Of The Area and you get your ad in 1) in Print, 2) on the News Website (like this ad), and 3) on our Social Media news site. A much more efficient way to advertise. Reach a HUGE audience for a LOW price TODAY! Call us on 02 4983 2134. Or media@newsofthearea.com.au Or CLICK FOR ADVERT QUOTE Library Services Manager Chris Jones indicated that council would be closing the library, which is staffed mainly by community volunteers. “Borrowing rates from Bulahdelah are the lowest in the MidCoast area,” Mr Jones said. “We need to find an alternative, we cannot see a future in a low use facility.” Mr Jones said he hoped that at least some library services, which could include a drop off point for books, would be retained. MidCoast Community Liaison Officer Tracey Farrant led a discussion to identify issues the loss of the library service would create. Fairness, accessibility, the need for better promotion of services and the need for whole community consultation were some of the concerns raised. Some community members also indicated they had restricted licenses and could not drive to other libraries in the region. Long time library volunteer Mrs Dianne Burns said the facility is utilised by people of all ages. “The loss of the service would disadvantage many people, including the elderly who like to come in and read,” she said. “They regularly use the library to access books, newspapers, magazines and use the internet.” Bulahdelah Chamber of Commerce Vice-President Kevin Carter outlined a proposal where the library service could be expanded by moving it to the Rural Transaction Centre at minimal cost to Council. The proposal will be forwarded to MidCoast Council for consideration. By John SAHYOUN Volunteer librarian Beatrice Weeks assists Carol Tattersall at Bulahdelah Library. : Ashley Dexter, MidCoast Community Liaison Officer Tracey Farrant, Ruth Butler, Dianne Burns and Chamber of Commerce Vice-President Kevin Carter discuss the closure of the library. Ashley Dexter uses the computer at Bulahdelah Library. Bulahdelah Library is located in the CWA Building in Wade Park. Bulahdelah Library is staff by volunteers.
How much does the library cost the Council to run. All the staff at the Bulahdelah Library are volunteers. So they can not afford 6 1/2 hour of electricity a week! Sad. They wonder why small towns are dying! Reply
