Cutting Library Opening Hours

One of the objections we had to our libraries plans was the suggestion that it would be better to cut opening hours instead.  We didn't go down that route, but an analysis has been done on Hertfordshire Council which did. It demonstrates how falls in usage follow from cutting opening hours, although there is some people do seem to alter their patterns of access to suit the new hours.  Of course, the issues around library services in Hertfordshire are quite different to Brent, not least in terms of public transport.  But I think it illustrates how budget reductions are bound to affect services, and therefore the important thing is to analyse the best way to minimise them.