This is a library in Huddersfield that is run by the community:
http://www.mla.gov.uk/what/raising_standards/best_practice/shared%20Services/Chestnut_centre
Run as a social enterprise, and employing local people, the Chestnut Centre has an IT suite, business units, family centre and cafe. Residents can access advice from the council and get help with accessing services.
The centre is run by residents and a valued local resource.
Why not run Suffolk's libraries in this way? Which services should we keep?
And if the community wanted to own the library, the local authority could pass it over to residents via a Community Asset Transfer.
The Chestnut Centre is the future of not just libraries, but community ownership of public services and their delivery. Delivery is local, mulitfaceted, provides local jobs in deprived areas and is owned by local people.
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