Issue - meetings

The Board considered a report, which presented the Council’s Draft Library Strategy for 2023-2028. 

It was reported that the new Strategy had been produced in house by the libraries team and all library staff had been given the opportunity to comment and provide input.  The Strategy provided useful information for the customer on what the Library Service offered and set objectives for the next 5 years, to improve the service and ensure it moved forward and widened the customer base.  Following the Board’s consideration of the draft Strategy, it would be taken to Executive Board for adoption.

Members also received information on the good work within the service that had taken place in 2022-23.  The report presented attendance figures for the Library Services for 2022-23, which would be used as a comparison from one year to another going forward.  It also gave information on new service offers and one off events carried out, as well as outreach service details and numbers relating to social media site visits.

The following responses were noted in response to Members’ questions:

·         The word ‘employment’ did not appear in the Strategy – this would be fedback and taken on board;

·         Staff offered support to customers who were able to use the facilities free of charge and held workshops etc for public to attend;

·         The lower numbers using the PC’s in Widnes Library was probably due to demographics and the ability of customers to attend when the Library was open;

·         Usage of the Borrowbox service was low – the service needed publicising to raise awareness;

·         Memory Box Delivery as part of the outreach service – this was welcomed by Members and considered an important service for the Borough’s care home residents;

·         Staff welcomed suggestions from Members regarding authors for the Borrowbox – these could be emailed to the libraries’ or Leisure Manager directly;

·         Access to the service for full time workers was considered limited – the libraries division was undergoing a restructure, with the aim of all sites’ opening hours being the same – this would avoid confusion in the communities;

·         Runcorn Library on Granville Street would be moving to the Old Police Station in the interim before The Brindley extension is complete; and

·         All Library customers were able to subscribe to the monthly newsletter.

RESOLVED:  That the draft Library Strategy be taken to Executive Board for adoption.