New draft library services strategy to be considered by Cabinet

A new draft library services strategy which sets out proposed plans to ensure all Shropshire residents continue to have access to a library service, will be put forward to Cabinet on Wednesday 12 July 2017.

The Draft Shropshire Library Services Strategy 2018 to 2023 sets out a hierarchy of library service provision and describes how Shropshire Council can meet its statutory requirements, whilst taking into consideration its financial challenges.

Books in a Shropshire library

Cabinet will also be asked to approve a 10-week public and stakeholder consultation on the draft strategy to allow residents and organisations the opportunity to have their say on the outlined proposals. All feedback will help shape the final strategy, which will go back to Cabinet for approval later on in the year.

The proposed hierarchy of library services is:

Tier 1 – Static library services based at Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Bridgnorth, Ludlow, Whitchurch, Market Drayton. These would be managed and financed by Shropshire Council and other potential sustainable revenue streams.  Service offer would include:

• Broad opening times to reflect the wide catchment areas served
• Staffed libraries
• Universal library offer, requests service, reading groups, digital and online services etc
• Conveniently located within “Community Hubs” – which will also offer a range of services from other organisations.

Tier 2 – Community Libraries based at Library at the Lantern (Shrewsbury), Cleobury Mortimer, Church Stretton, Bishop’s Castle, Ellesmere, Pontesbury and Albrighton. These would be hosted and managed by local community organisations within contract arrangements with the council. During this time, new and innovative ways of generating income will be explored to ensure the sustainability of these libraries for the long-term.  Service offer would include:

• Flexible opening times to reflect local need
• Staffed libraries supported by volunteers
• Universal library offer, requests service, reading groups, digital and online services etc
• Conveniently located within “Community Hubs” – which will also offer a range of services from other organisations
• “Back office support” provided by Shropshire Council libraries team.

Tier 3 – Community Libraries based at Broseley, Shifnal, Wem, Highley, Craven Arms, Much Wenlock, Gobowen and Bayston Hill. These would be hosted and managed by local community organisations within contract arrangements with the council over a one year period. During this time new and innovative ways of generating income will be explored to ensure the sustainability of these libraries for the long-term. There could also be a potential ‘one-off’ investment in support of improved and sustainable facilities. Service offer would include:

• Flexible opening hours
• Volunteer management, supported by staff who are part of the Library Network
• Universal library offer, requests service, reading groups, digital and online services etc
• Ongoing ‘back office support’ provided by Shropshire Council libraries team, where sustainable revenue funding requirements are met. 

The strategy proposes to move to cost neutral provision of the 15 Tier 2 and Tier 3 Community Libraries over a period of time, while recognising that in some cases this may require time-limited investment and support; and be subject to individual negotiations in each area.

Stoke Heath Prison Library – This service will continue to be operated under contract from Her Majesty’s Prisons and supported by Shropshire Libraries.

Mobile libraries – The council will continue to provide a mobile library service in rural and isolated communities where the need is greatest, taking into consideration our county’s ageing population and the challenges faced in rural public transport. It is proposed for the service to cover approximately 277 stops.  The service will be managed by Shropshire Council’s library team and focus its service in rural areas. Services on offer will include:

• Fortnightly rota
• Book loans, etc
• A broad range of information and advisory support to potentially vulnerable and isolated individuals.

Digital library services – This service will include 24-hour access to a range of lending and information resources.

These level of services have been determined by factors such as shifting habits of usage, location, catchment area, public transport and demographic. This is to ensure that they serve the needs of all sections of the community, from children to older people to the most disadvantaged communities and individuals.

Libraries will continue to play a key role in ‘signposting’ older people to a range of community based ‘preventative’ services, and in promoting literacy and providing activities that support children, young people and families. They will also continue to support those who lack computer and internet skills and who need help to find work.

Lezley Picton, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture and leisure, said;

“Our priority is to ensure libraries remain at the heart of our local communities. We know that this is a particularly challenging time for library services. However, it is also equally clear that they are also very much highly valued by our local communities and therefore urge all residents to have their say on these proposals.

“We have no intentions to close any of our libraries; however, we do need to prioritise how and where our limited resources are spent now and in the future. By having a hierarchy of library services we believe we can ensure all residents get access to a library service.

“The next five years are crucial for the long-term sustainability and success of public library services in Shropshire and this strategy reflects our ambition and commitment to continue to unlock the huge potential that library services have.

“We have been working closely, and will continue to work closely, with our partners and those interested parties to ensure that our libraries remain successful and sustainable in the long term and that they continue to inspire people’s learning and enjoyment.”

Eight libraries have already been successfully transferred to community management as part the wider work the council has been undertaking with partner organisations and communities across Shropshire. This is to ensure libraries and other key face-to-face services continue to be delivered in sustainable and more cost effective ways.

Residents and organisations will be encouraged to take part in the Draft Library Services Strategy consultation which will be published shortly.