Agenda item

For the Select Committee to receive a report providing an update on the Library Service.

The Select Committee received a report providing an update on the Library Service (Item 6 in the Minute Book).  Members also received a presentation highlighting key areas of the report.

Councillor Steven Broomfield declared an interest at this point in proceedings as a Trustee at Fair Oak Community Library.

Members were taken through the presentation slides and details around the public and school library service were explained as well as the vision and aims of the service.  In terms of the service’s budget, officers explained that this was £13million expenditure, of which £10million was revenue and £3million income.  Members attention was drawn to key dates relating to the transformation of the library service as part of Transformation to 2021 (T21), and it was noted that the culmination of savings for the service totalled £1,791,000 which encompassed savings to operations, delivering the service differently and the delivery of efficiencies.  An example of this was the move of Emsworth library to Emsworth Community Centre, which realised savings of £30,000.  Details of new community libraries in Hampshire were also noted.

The Committee heard how libraries operated during the Covid lockdown, which included the Ready Reads scheme and the Home Library Service.  Officers also highlighted the role of the service in supporting 500 of the most vulnerable people in Hampshire through the home library service.  In terms of recovery of the service following the lifting of Covid restrictions, it was noted that compared to pre-Covid, physical visits to libraries were at 50%, and it was important going forward to find the balance between investment in physical libraries as well as virtual elements.

Officers also drew Members attention to the work which had recently commenced at Winchester Discovery Centre and the new branding for this.  It was also heard that work in relation to libraries and climate change had been undertaken in respect to LED lighting and double glazing in library buildings, and work with national partners on an eco-strategy.  The partnership working between the Hampshire Library Service and the Hampshire Domestic Abuse Partnership was also highlighted.  In conclusion it was heard that the T21 programme was now complete, and there was a huge amount of work to be undertaken going forward in recovering footfall and the promotion of libraries.

Members thanked the presenting officers for the informative update.  Questions were raised from Members, and it was confirmed that groups, clubs and activities at libraries such as Rhymetime were recovering well since Covid restrictions had eased.  Following a query on what was available at each library, information on this would be circulated to the Committee.  Members also heard details of the higher cost to the library service of e-books compared to a physical book, as the price of an e-book could be dictated by the publisher.  Members queried whether there had been any adverse feedback to the new opening hours following Executive Member decision, and it was heard that there hadn’t been, and due to Covid restrictions, libraries have had to operate reduced hours for much of the year.  The opportunities for delivering differently in libraries was highlighted, as well as opportunities for income generation such as room rental.  In response to queries about community libraries, Officers highlighted the positive and supportive approach by communities, and it was also noted that as community libraries, they were now able to apply for funds such as lottery funding.  Details of freehold transfers and leasing in respect of community libraries Elson and Lee, Lyndhurst and South Ham was also confirmed.

RESOLVED:

That the Culture and Communities Select Committee noted the contents of the report.