Agenda item

(Indicative timing: 10.15am – 11.00am)

The Chairman explained that Councillor Emma Marshall was an executive Member of Redditch Borough Council.  If the discussion referred to Redditch Library, Cllr Marshall had been advised to declare an interest and not take part in the discussion at that point.

Members had received a comprehensive Agenda Report and data relating to the Libraries Strategy and Transformation programme.  The Panel was invited to ask questions, with the following main points being raised:

·         As of 31 May 2022, library visits had recovered to 58% of pre-pandemic levels and book issues to 77%.  Organised library based events and activities had recovered to around 50% with attendance at a similar rate.  Figures were broadly comparable with national trends and further surveys were planned for the remainder of 2022/23 to shape recovery plans

·         Engagement with Schools was vital to libraries and the Service had started to see an increase in school visits.  It was noted that there was a 5% increase in Primary aged active library users

·         The annual Summer Reading Challenge, a free reading for pleasure programme for children aged 4 to 11, had begun 9 July and Councillors were encouraged to promote the Challenge and celebratory events across their individual networks

·         Members agreed that libraries were an important community hub and were pleased to hear of examples of wider activity undertaken

·         Libraries Unlocked, Worcestershire’s new open library model, had been launched in Droitwich and Stourport libraries on 6 June 2022 resulting in an increase of 85% in opening hours.  During the first 2 weeks of operation, 731 customers had signed up and it was hoped that a programme of community and partner activities would develop across both sites.  It was agreed to share early user data with the Panel, however, over 1,000 visitors had already accessed the 2 libraries and agencies were actively approaching the Council to discuss service delivery.  Officers were very encouraged with the launch however the challenge would be to keep up the momentum and build on the success, especially the target to enrol 20% new library members

·         There had been a 100% increase in electronic issues (e-issues) and Senior Leaders were exploring why visitor numbers were not recovering as strongly, in order that the most appropriate targeted promotion could take place

·         Challenges in recruitment and long term sickness had been experienced across the Service, however, the picture was improving

·         Corporate communications and promotion to residents who were at risk of being digitally excluded was under consideration

·         The Cabinet Member with Responsibility (CMR) for Communities had only recently taken on the portfolio, however, had already visited several of the 21 Worcestershire libraries, including Stourport.  He was very encouraged with the Libraries Unlocked programme and would be keen to review the data in six months.  There was an ambition for libraries not just to be about books, but also meeting rooms and venues for activities and he was supportive of this as an efficient way of meeting community need.  The Panel was in agreement, however noted the hard targets set

·         Across the County, there was no individual library which was underperforming, however, there was a difference in visits compared to pre pandemic, Malvern for example with visits now at 80% but issues being less.  It was agreed to share data on numbers of issues and visits for each of the libraries

·         The Council had one mobile library, which was reintroduced into service earlier than most other local authorities.  Route information would be shared with the Panel for promotion if appropriate.

The Chairman thanked everyone for a useful discussion and reminded the Panel that the next meeting would include an Item on Redditch Library in advance of a decision by Cabinet.