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LIFE & STYLE PAGE 20
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MARCH 6 2013 WWW.NEWCASTLEPOST.COM.AU
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Use it or lose it Future of Belmont Library in doubt unless more people use it
CUTS AT COUNCIL The focus on impending staff cuts at Newcastle Council intensified last week, with details from a closed workshop and a figure of 90 full-time positions estimated to be on the chopping block, leaked to the press. Council was quick to express dismay that information from the confidential session had made its way into the public arena and that this would “no doubt lower staff morale�.
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HELP ME, ELLEN Local boy’s plea to US talk show host PAGE 5 Margaret Neal and Robin Gordon from group ‘Save Belmont Library’ are urging people to use the library’s resources
TRICIA MOROSIN
T
here are real fears that Belmont Library will soon be downsized unless more people use its facilities, with group ‘Save Belmont Library’ telling the community, “use it or lose it�. According to Save Belmont Library members Robin Gordon and Margaret Neal, back in 2011 the group was given three years to increase registrations, number of loans and visits to the facility by five per cent, otherwise the library would likely be moved from the current purpose-built structure to a smaller shopfront.
Around 200 people came together at the time to express their desire to keep the library and its public meeting room – the last in Belmont – as it is. But 18 months later, momentum has dropped off and word from Council is the figures are “below baseline�. “They set a mark and it has to be achieved, or else the library is virtually kaput,� Ms Neal said. “And why should they take that away from this big community that uses it? “I’ve never been in here when there aren’t people waiting, standing to have their books checked off, or waiting out the front for it to open.�
Labor councillor for East Ward, Kay Fraser, said she is “totally opposed to downsizing the library� and agreed with the group’s view that more could be done by Council to promote the service. Liberal councillor, Jason Pauling, said he does not have a position on the issue. A representative from Council said a number of changes had been introduced to help increase membership – including improved access to collections, an evening book club, and Wi-Fi. They also confi rmed new signage is on its way. @triciamorosin Do you have an idea about how to get more people into Belmont Library? Email us at editorial@newcastlepost.com.au
NO JOY FOR JETS Jets thrashed 5-0 by Melbourne Victory PAGE 52
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