Representatives of the Love Our Libraries group presented a petition to Mayor Phil Goff at the Governing Body meeting of 27 April.
The meeting resolved to forward the petition to Chief Operating Officer Dean Kimpton for consideration. The following is Mr Kimpton’s response to Ms Julia Schiller, representative of the group:
Dear Ms Schiller,
Thank you for forwarding the petition organised by the Love Our Libraries group.
We agree with you, the other petitioners, and many Aucklanders that our library services are among the most valued of the council’s activities. Like you, we remain convinced our library programmes and staff make a difference in the lives of Aucklanders.
I have now reviewed the petition, discussed the matter with senior library staff, and looked at feedback from staff collected during the consultation period. This is combined with my understanding of the proposal and the changing needs of Auckland. I am therefore of the view that Fit for the Future is appropriate and should proceed as planned.
I also note that, from early on, the PSA has contributed to its design and supports the process we have adopted. This reinforces our commitment to ensuring the best care for our staff as we go through this transition.
In considering Fit for the Future, I also invite the Love Our Libraries group and petitioners to reflect on the considerable and ongoing investment that Auckland Council has made in its library facilities and services since amalgamation. Some examples include our ‘borrow anywhere, return anywhere’ initiative, e-books provision (experienced rapid growth and now making up some 12 per cent of all issues), new digital services such as Lynda.com and Mango, continued investment in and growth of pre-school and school age programmes, seven new library builds worth nearly $50 million, and more planned or under construction.
Fit for the Future is taking place in the context of constant change and improvement. In order for us to wrap the best possible service around this, we must also have a well-supported and responsive workforce in place.
Thank you for your support and concern for our library services and our people.
Yours sincerely,
Dean Kimpton
Chief Operating Officer
