Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services with an update on the existing strategy and progress on the development of a new strategy.

To receive a report of the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services with an update on the existing library strategy and the development of the new strategy.

The Committee received a presentation from the Director of Culture, Communities and Business Services (CCBS) providing an update on the Library Strategy 2016-2020 and an overview of the draft Strategy for 2020-2025.

Members received an overview of the service as it was currently including the number of libraries and staffing details. Details of the strategy to 2020 were provided alongside this to provide the context for the strategy going forwards.

Cllrs received the draft vision to 2025, encompassing three core strands;

• Reading – engaging people through books, focusing on early-stage learning to cultivate reading for pleasure,
• Community – connecting communities through assets, support people to develop skills,
• Digital – targeting digital inequality and proving training and resources for online services.

Officers noted that this vision would be underpinned by a sound financial strategy and a strong commercial focus. This would include the T21 £1.76 million savings target to be achieved through a balance of delivering efficiencies, managing assets, changes to operations and income generation.

In response to questions members found that;

• Any libraries that are proposed for closure following the consultation could be converted to a community run library if volunteers can be recruited and retained. Consideration for Health & Safety, building running costs and organisation would need to be given by any group contemplating this.
• The statutory responsibility for the County Council is to provide a physical book lending facility without cost which is comprehensive for all residents of Hampshire.

RESOLVED: That the Culture and Communities Select Committee recommends that the Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage;

i)             Notes the progress made with the Library Strategy 2016-2020.

ii)            Endorses the progress made on the new draft Strategy 2020-2025.