Agenda item

(a)  That the contents of the Library Services Needs Assessment 2021 set out in Appendix A to the report and the recommendations contained within it be noted.

(b)  That the options for future Library Service delivery set out in paragraph 4 Appendix C of the report be agreed.

(c)  That a public consultation on the future delivery of library services, as set out in Appendices C and D to the report be agreed (noting that a revised version of Appendix D had been published in a Supplementary Agenda).

(d)  That Delegated authority be given to the Executive Director of Customer and Communities, following consultation with the Lead Member for Children’s Services, Lifelong Learning & Skills and the Lead Member for Leisure, Culture & Communities to undertake the consultation and prepare a final business case for the future delivery of library services.

(e)  That it be noted that a report would be brought back to Cabinet in Quarter 4 of 2021/22 recommending a proposal for the future delivery of library services.

The Lead Member for Children’s Services, Lifelong Learning & Skills gave a presentation on the proposal to commence a public consultation on the future delivery of library services.

The Cabinet considered and noted the Library Services Needs Assessment in the Appendix Pack and the final consultation questions in the Supplementary Agenda.

(Councillor Pantelic joined the meeting)

Library services were a statutory service delivered under the legal duty in the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964.  The Council was required to ensure the service was fit for the future, affordable and remained comprehensive and efficient.  It was noted that if no changes were made to how library services were delivered there was a significant financial risk to the Council as the current service was not affordable.  The Lead Member emphasised that the Cabinet wanted to hear the view of residents, including both current users and those that currently did not use library services.  The feedback to the consultation would inform any future decisions on the service.  The consultation asked consultees for their views on their preferred future models or alternative ideas.  The five models set out in the consultation were:

1.  Reduce the money available to spend on buying publications (both hard copy and eResources).

2.  Keep all the main library buildings open but reduce the opening and staffed hours at Langley and Cippenham and reduce the staffed hours at The Curve and Britwell libraries.

3.  Close both Langley and Cippenham library buildings but maintain the staffing and opening hours at The Curve library and at Britwell library.

4.  Keep all library buildings but reduce the hours they are open, the hours they are staffed, and the space dedicated to the library. Attract other users to rent space in the library building alongside the reduced library (co-location).

5.  Move all library services out of the current main library buildings and re-locate services to be delivered from a range of other locations (and on-line) across the borough.

The Cabinet discussed the impacts of the Covid pandemic on libraries and the fact that library services needed to constantly evolve as the growth of the internet had changed the demand for traditional library services.  It would be important that the consultation explored the future needs and demands for services.  Lead Members commented that Slough had continued to invest in its libraries in recent years and Slough was considered to have good library provision.  Members highlighted the importance of aligning any future decisions on library services with the Council’s localities strategy.  There may be opportunities to bring services together in certain buildings which would help to offset costs.  Libraries were important social spaces and the review would need to capture the wider benefits and value to local communities.

Speaking under Rule 30, Councillor Brooker asked when it was expected library services would fully reopen after the Covid restrictions.  The Director of Place & Community commented that the reopening of services was taking place subject to risk assessments and in line with Government guidance.

Speaking under Rule 30, Councillor Muvvala expressed concern about the potential closure of the Langley library building and asked whether an option could be added to the consultation to expand library provision.  The Leader provided assurance that the starting point of the consultation was not to close buildings but that it was important to consult on all the options and listen to the responses to the consultation.  The review provided an opportunity to assess future needs and that could potentially include changing the opening times and more digital or specialist services.

At the conclusion of the discussion the Cabinet agreed the recommendations, including to commence a public consultation to begin later in October.

Resolved –

(a)  That the contents of the Library Services Needs Assessment 2021 set out in Appendix A to the report and the recommendations contained within it be noted.

(b)  That the options for future Library Service delivery set out in paragraph 4 Appendix C of the report be agreed.

(c)  That a public consultation on the future delivery of library services, as set out in Appendices C and D to the report be agreed (noting that a revised version of Appendix D had been published in a Supplementary Agenda).

(d)  That Delegated authority be given to the Executive Director of Customer and Communities, following consultation with the Lead Member for Children’s Services, Lifelong Learning & Skills and the Lead Member for Leisure, Culture & Communities to undertake the consultation and prepare a final business case for the future delivery of library services.

(e)  That it be noted that a report would be brought back to Cabinet in Quarter 4 of 2021/22 recommending a proposal for the future delivery of library services.