> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Councillor insists falling library user numbers cannot be ignored
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/councillor-insists-falling-library-user-numbers-cannot-be-ignored/
- Published: 2014-08-01T09:00:52.000Z
- Updated: 2014-08-01T05:38:53.000Z
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 20:48, News

There are “no plans to close a single library” according to a county councillor.

But as a consultation over the future of services across Staffordshire takes place, Cllr Mike Lawrence has said the issue of falling user numbers cannot be ignored.

[![Cllr Mike Lawrence](https://storage.ghost.io/c/e3/90/e390c3da-0866-4d2a-8ffe-ca4999d7ce1c/content/images/lichfieldlive-co-uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/mike-lawrence.jpg)](//lichfieldlive.co.uk/2011/05/25/lichfield-and-burntwood-vocational-centre-opens-to-the-public/mike-lawrence/)

Cllr Mike Lawrence

He said: “We’re proposing developing our online service and reorganising our 43 libraries so that some remain directly in county council hands, while others could be managed and run by community volunteers.

“Let me be clear – there are no plans to close a single library in the county, but user numbers are falling, so this three year project is about creating a service that meets people’s needs for the future.

“We would like to hear from library users and those who support the idea of libraries, but don’t use them at the moment.”

The issue of potential library closures has already sparked fierce criticism, with petitions being organised by local residents.

Cllr Lawrence added: “Some people are organising petitions to express their thoughts. I welcome that, and while they will be read and considered, I would urge people to also complete the detailed questionnaire.”

For more details on the consultation, [visit the Staffordshire County Council website](www.staffordshire.gov.uk/leisure/librariesnew/Help-shape-library-service/Help-shape-library-service.aspx).