Petition against potential downsizing of Peterborough library launched

A petition has been launched about the planned downsizing of Bretton Library in Peterborough.

As revealed by the Peterborough Telegraph earlier this month, the council is planning to downsize the library by at least 50% to accomodate the city’s relocated Dementia Resource Centre into the same building.

The library, which is located in the Cresset Centre in Bretton, currently has three floors but the Peterborough Telegraph understand that plans to repurpose the building would see it will be reduced to just one, with the ground level, back offices and the upstairs floor set to be converted.

This means that a number of the library’s resources, including computers, self-checkout machines, printers/photocopiers and e-books will all need to be located or could be lost entirely.

A petition has now been started against the proposed downsizing.

Library volunteer Paula Flood said: “Bretton Library is a vital part of the Peterborough and Bretton community, providing a holistic selection of services to a diverse range of people of varying ages, ethnicities, cultures, beliefs and backgrounds.

"It is a safe and comfortable space where everyone feels welcome and valued!

"The library offers so much to the community and is a safe space for free reading, educational resources, use of computers, photocopying, community groups, meet ups, stimulating activities including knit & natter, reading for the blind and visual impaired, jigsaw puzzle exchange, the list is endless.

“The proposed two thirds reduction in library space would greatly impact the ability of the library to continue facilitating these activities.

"Peterborough City Council needs to properly examine the impact of any change in resource size on the very people who rely on its essential services; older people, younger people, those with disabilities, those engaged in learning, those who need and provide care, those excluded digitally, those who are lonely and isolated and those who need protections and support.”

The petition can be accessed at www.change.org/p/save-bretton-library.