Decision: Österäng library to shut down
The decision from the Culture and Leisure Committee about the libraries was expected.
- These small cuts amount to disproportionately great harm, says Vice Chairwoman Therese Sturesson (S).
The subject of closure was put forward as a question in the Municipal Council. Lena Ohlsson (M), Chair of the Culture and Leisure Committee responded:
- I know that you’re raising your eyebrows; there’s not much money in our budget. But we have too few people working in our libraries.
Without adding funds and hiring more staff, there will not be a better balance in the libraries. It’s already a strained operation, said Lena Ohlsson
The operation has been streamlined for many years, she said.
- It should have been strengthened a long time ago through policies.
The Social Democrats wanted to invest 200,000 crowns in an investigation about extended hours libraries, that is, libraries where people can borrow on their own.
The question of extended hours has been discussed for several years. However, according to the Head of administration Ulrika Cedell, there has not been any staff available to investigate it. There will be money for an investigation in 2021.
The Committee needs to make cuts of 2.8 million crowns. Among others, educational associations and associations will get less funding.
This is how the Culture and Leisure Committee will save 2.8 million crowns
Total budget: 291.4 million crowns.
Total cuts: 2.8 million crowns.
Reduced funding to associations: 470,000 crowns.
Reduced funding to educational associations: 775,000 crowns.
Reduced funding to Utvecklingscentrum Unga Musik i Syd (Development Centre Young Music in the South): 500,000 crowns.
Paused events: 350,000 crowns.
Increased tax by 15 per cent for companies and adults: 550,000 crowns.
Library closures: 120,000 crowns.
