Decision details

To consider reviewing service levels and forms of service delivery for library services in areas of reduced demand. Options will include:

a.   reducing opening hours, removing the rural Mobile Library service and other logistical changes

b.   Using the Community Hubs programme to accelerate options to share space and bring services together under one roof so that services in communities are maintained more economically

Relevant community and staff consultation will be undertaken and wherever possible staff savings will be through natural turnover. The service priority will be to protect and support those most vulnerable in our communities.

The Cabinet Member for Safer Stronger Communities will be asked to approve options from those which are developed.

Cabinet considered the report by Executive Director Place Services

Cabinet approved:

(1) the cessation of the mobile library services;

(2) the reduction in evening opening hours in the 4 main libraries with some minor adjustments elsewhere to ensure the offer is consistent across libraries from April 2020; and

(3) minor logistical changes that will impact working practices but not customers

The call-in deadline is 12 December 2019