April 20, 2018 3.13 pm This story is over 76 months old

Three Lincoln libraries will remain open despite operator shutting down

It’s hoped they’ll be taken over.
The Ermine library in Lincoln. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Three Lincoln libraries will remain open despite confirmation that the charity operating them will shut down in May.

Learning Communities runs the Birchwood, Boultham and Ermine libraries and communities hub.

The Lincolnite has been informed that the registered charity is planning to stop operating on May 11.

Learning Communities has not been available for comment by the time of publication.

However, Lincolnshire County Council confirmed that Greenwich Leisure Limited, who operate several libraries across the county, will temporarily assist volunteers at the three facilities.

The county council owns the buildings and outsourced the running of 30 libraries to various charities and volunteers in a cost-saving move in 2015.

Greenwhich Leisure runs the county’s 15 major libraries, including Lincoln Central Library, along with online services.

County Councillor Nick Worth, executive member for culture, said: “We were sorry to hear about the difficulties faced by Learning Communities.

“They’ve done a great job at Boultham, Birchwood and Ermine libraries over the last few years, and we really appreciate their efforts.

“These sites will remain open for the immediate future, thanks to support from our library provider, Greenwich Leisure Limited, and particularly the hub volunteers.

“That will give us time to look at the long-term options for moving forward.”