Auckland Council has been urged to halt a major restructure of library services that has seen 74 staff taking voluntary redundancy.
Councillors heard this morning from Save Our Libraries spokeswoman Julia Schiller of a petition signed by 3200 people asking the council to keep all staff in their current jobs and hold public consultation on the 'Fit for Future' library shake-up.
Earlier this month, the council confirmed it was proceeding with Fit for the Future after 74 staff accepted voluntary redundancy. The new model will not see any libraries close or hours reduced, but staff will now have to work across several libraries.
It is impossible not to reduce service when staff are cut and juggled around
It was designed to better meet changing services, including a growing demand for digital and online service. The programme is expected to save $1.8 million a year.