Library closure stalled but far from defeated

GOONELLABAH library supporters are breathing a sigh of relief – yet their fight is far from over.

Goonellabah Public Library at the Goonellabah Community Centre. Photo Cathy Adams / The Northern Star. Picture: Cathy Adams

GOONELLABAH library supporters are breathing a sigh of relief - yet their fight is far from over.

Lismore City Council on Tuesday night voted unanimously to look at funding options to keep the library open, but will wait until its extraordinary budget meeting on June 25 to vote on the proposed changes.

The motion, introduced by Councillor Isaac Smith, came after a petition of more than 900 signatures against the library closure was delivered to the council last Saturday.

Cr Smith said in hindsight he regretted the closure of the library was listed in the budget.

"We've heard very loud and clear from our community," Cr Smith said.

"I want to have some options on the table on the 25th of June so we make a better decision… because I don't want us debating on the run."

Despite the unanimous vote, some councillors suggested asking council staff to re-examine the budget was not appropriate during a public exhibition process.

Cr Neil Marks said he was concerned that the community might get the wrong impression about the library closure.

"It's not over yet," Cr Marks said. "Regardless of how we vote on this notice of motion it still needs to come to budget meeting.

"If the (new) cuts are not palatable, the library will still close."

Library supporter Corena Wynd said it was a small step in the right direction, but questioned why the closure was listed in the budget in the first place.

"We shouldn't have to fight so hard for something that is providing such a good service to the community," Mrs Wynd said.

"I feel to consider this closure in the first place, someone is out of touch with the community.

"We're not at the end of this fight until we find out what the options are."