Agenda item

This report updates Cabinet on the progress which has been made with the future library strategy following two previous reports in February and December 2024. 

The report sets out the key drivers for the library strategy, detailing the suggested future focus of the library service, the priorities for investment, and the action plan required to ensure we can continue to deliver an efficient and comprehensive service for the future.

The work to underpin the strategy has given us a clearer understanding of where to target investment to bring improvements for our communities, increasing access, and modelling provision within clusters.

The vision is an ambitious one, focussed on delivering improvements and cementing the value of libraries within our communities.

Whilst there is undoubtedly a resource challenge, as there is in delivering all council services, the strategy remains an ambitious statement of intent. Working with partners, the community, and internal teams, we will develop our preparedness for funding opportunities and focus on greater collaboration to ensure libraries deliver in a time of financial stress and even greater societal challenge.

It is anticipated that following endorsement of the draft Library Strategy, any changes of provision to be proposed within the life of the strategy will undergo a second stage consultation process, as appropriate.

The Portfolio Holder for Customer, Communications and Culture presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'C' to these Minutes in the Minute Book. The report provided an update on the progress which had been made with the future library strategy following two previous reports in February and December 2024. It set out the key drivers for the library strategy, detailing the suggested future focus of the library service, the priorities for investment, and the action plan required to ensure the Council could continue to deliver an efficient and comprehensive service for the future.

The work to underpin the strategy has given a clearer understanding of where to target investment to bring improvements for communities, increasing access, and modelling provision within clusters.  The vision is an ambitious one, focussed on delivering improvements and cementing the value of libraries within communities.  The Board was informed that whilst there is undoubtedly a resource challenge, as there is in delivering all council services, the strategy remains an ambitious statement of intent. Working with partners, the community, and internal teams, the Council will develop preparedness for funding opportunities and focus on greater collaboration to ensure libraries deliver in a time of financial stress and even greater societal challenge. The Board raised a number of points during discussion of this item including:

• Commitment to retain Libraries – The Board welcomed the clear commitment to maintain all 24 libraries across the area. It was noted that this was a significant achievement given financial pressures and the condition of some buildings.
• Open Access Technology - The introduction of this was supported as a means to extend opening hours without increasing staffing costs. Members sought clarification on how security and safeguarding would be managed during unstaffed hours. It was explained that access would be controlled through library cards, induction processes and CCTV monitoring. Concerns were raised about ensuring that vulnerable groups, including young people, could still access staffed support when needed.
• Community Hubs - The strategy proposed creating four community hubs in Hamworthy, Rossmore, Southbourne, and Charminster, each serving a cluster of libraries. These hubs would offer extended services and space for community activities. Members suggested that more hubs should be considered in future phases if funding allowed.
• Funding – Concern was expressed that the strategy was ambitious but lacked dedicated funding. The initial phase relied on an Arts Council funding. It was noted that if the bid was unsuccessful, alternative funding sources would need to be identified. Members highlighted the importance of exploring neighbourhood CIL funding and other grants to support improvements.
• Friends Groups - The strategy included plans to encourage Friends Groups and expand volunteering opportunities. Members supported this approach but noted that the framework for establishing Friends Groups appeared complex and could deter participation. It was suggested that processes be simplified to enable community involvement more easily.
• Income Generation – The Board discussed the need for libraries to develop sustainable revenue streams and explore partnerships with commercial operators for café facilities. While some supported commercialisation, others stressed that libraries should remain primarily a public service.

The Board also made several creative suggestions for further enhancements to library services including:

-       Establishing a “Library of Things” to allow residents to borrow household items.

-       Creating repair workshops and skills-sharing sessions.

-       Introducing quiet hours for study alongside more vibrant community activities.

-       Using libraries as warm spaces and hubs for social connection.

-       Out of hours access to services, similar to parcel drops.

RESOLVED that:

1.     The Overview and Scrutiny Board recommend to Cabinet that as part of the Library Strategy it looks to maintain staffed hours in libraries, especially in the afternoon period, as open access is rolled out further in the future.

Voting: 8 in favour, 1 abstention (Majority Decision)

2.     The Overview and Scrutiny Board recommend to Cabinet that the Library Service put together a list of smaller neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Bids to put to Councillors and Neighbourhood Forums immediately upon the opening of future CIL rounds.

Voting: Unanimous

3.     That the O&S Board support the recommendations as set out in the Cabinet report.

Voting: Nem. Con.

4.     A potential item be included on its work programme a review of income generation opportunities within the library service, including commercialisation options and partnership models.

Voting Nem. Con.

(Cllr Beesley left the meeting during consideration of this item)