RESIDENTS’ groups in negotiations to run libraries at Bembridge, Brighstone, East Cowes, Niton and Shanklin are set to be given extended time to prepare for a handover from the Isle of Wight Council.
It had been planned the council would cease to fund the five libraries from June 30.
Now, because of a need for extra time with negotiations and details of the transfers, the funding is set continue until July 31, the authority said today (Friday). The decision is due to be confirmed next week.
If, by the end of July, negotiations are not quite finalised, it may be possible to continue funding for another limited period — but not beyond the end of September.
The council will review progress at the start of August and September.
The extension of funding would also give library groups the chance to have volunteers "shadow" existing library staff. This is intended to assist with confidence building and provide experience during the busy summer period.
In March this year, as part of its overall savings plans, the council decided to continue to run six of its 11 libraries — at Cowes, Freshwater, Newport, Ryde, Sandown and Ventnor — but to stop funding the five other from June 30.
Council officers have been working with residents’ groups who expressed an interest in running the five libraries where funding would end.
Training and advice on how to run a library has been given, alongside negotiations on leases and operational details.
Cllr Abraham said: "Positive negotiations are taking place with the five groups seeking to run libraries and it would be inappropriate to cease funding for these libraries at this critical time."
The council’s library service has been working with the IW Rural Community Council to develop a training programme to support the groups.
The extension would also allow the finalising of leasehold arrangements, checks relating to new volunteers and the completion of training.
The extension means, in the interim, the libraries at Bembridge, East Cowes and Shanklin would continue to operate for 21 hours a week, and those at Brighstone and Niton for ten hours a week.
The cost to the council of an extension from the end of June to the end of September is estimated at £31,000, including staffing and operating costs.
It is anticipated all the community-run libraries would be in place by September but any not transferred by the end of September, and where progress on negotiations is not being made, may close. If this happens, the area in question would receive a mobile library service, probably for a half-day each week, with the hours arranged to coincide with the end of the school day at a local school.
Reporter: martinn@iwcpmail.co.uk