LIBRARY supporters have received a reply from the Government on the future of their much-loved facilities.

Will Charlton, from Friends of Northwich Library, wrote to culture minister Ed Vaizey in August, after Government figures were released that show national library use is in decline.

Mr Charlton hoped to clarify the position and hoped the Government would take into account that library services were different under different local councils.

Dempster Marples, library and arts policy officer for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, has replied on behalf of Mr Vaizey and explained the future of library services would be up to each local authority.

He said: “The management and funding of such local library services is ultimately the responsibility of local authorities and it is their statutory duty to provide a compliant service which is responsive to the needs of the community.

“Government has no plans to directly inspect libraries as you suggest.

“During this time of financial restraint, local authorities are considering efficiency options, which may include shared services, merging functions or staffing across authorities or public services, use of volunteers or of other community buildings.

“Many libraries are already being provided in co-located buildings with other facilities like doctors’ surgeries, schools or job centres making valuable links with other public or community services.

“Many libraries work closely with their local schools and colleges and deliver education and learning policies for their local authorities.

“However the use of library buildings and links to other public services such as further education is ultimately a matter for local authorities who are best placed to know the needs of their local areas.”