TWO Ryedale libraries are set to merge as part of a shake-up of North Yorkshire’s libraries.
North Yorkshire County Council wants to save £1.7 million off its libraries budget.
The plans would see a new branch library created to cater for Malton and Norton, which currently have separate branches. All the region’s other facilities would remain and either be run by the council, community volunteers or a combination of both.
The authority says opening hours will have to be reduced, based on the usage of individual branches and their locations, and 36 staff positions will be cut. It said the current Malton and Norton libraries were “within walking distance of each other” and the new branch would be “convenient for both communities”.
Coun Chris Metcalfe, the council’s executive member for libraries, said the fact 41 branches would remain was a “tremendous achievement” which was largely due to the “positive attitudes and enthusiasm” of communities who aired their views about how the service should be run.
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