Forum –
I was shocked to see in Central Coast Council’s operational plan and budget currently on exhibition, that Council propose to not only close The Entrance branch library and sell off the Bateau Bay library premises but also to cut the whole Central Coast Library Service book/resources budget by a massive $720,000 over the next four years (see Draft Operational plan p 102).
Expenditure per head of population is already well below recommended State Library standards for local libraries and this savage cut will have a huge impact on the availability of books and other resources for recreation and study.
The community has until May 26 to object to this foolhardy proposal by making a submission on the Council’s operational plan and budget at https://www.yourvoiceourcoast.com/2021-22_OperationalPlan.
The book budget should be retained at the pre-COVID level, and gradually increased as resources allow in the future.
Email, May 18
Sue Ellis, Umina Beach