Agenda item

Library Transformation Strategy

Minutes:

Angela Huisman, Library and Resident Contact Lead, introduced the item and said the consultation on the brough’s Library Service was being reviewed, and proposals were put forward to reshape and service. The aim was to create a sustainable and resilient library service, provide a digital offer and services to the most vulnerable, and deliver saving to the council. The consultation, which was made available in British Sign Language, was due to close on 30 April 2021.

 

There was an uplift in library use in recent years for activities and schools had an increasing demand for the service. Before COVID-19, under 24s used the library the most, but during the pandemic, 18-25-year olds accessed the service most. Some locations did not sustain interest, funding, or community engagement as others.

 

The proposals sought to retain professional staff for the statutory opening hours who would undergo an enhanced DBS check and rigorous training. Services that would remain included council services, the home library service, online resources, Books on Prescription, Book Touch, and more.

The next steps were to set up the loan service for digital devices, develop the virtual reality and interactive digital technology for children. I.T. drop-ins were delivered over phone and email during lockdown and would return to face-to-face once the restrictions ceased. Public sessions were held to discuss the proposals, and the responses would be given to Cabinet for approval.

 

John Webb said Dedworth library served an area of severe deprivation with high levels of loneliness and young families with no support. He asked if residents without access to digital devices would be unsupported if the opening hours were reduced and the service became digital. Angela Huisman said this would be best discussed in the resident engagement sessions and a comprehensive needs analysis was being undertaken. John Webb asked if libraries sold books to the public, and Angela Huisman said libraries did sell books, but the margins were small.

 

Councillor Price informed residents that herself and Councillors Tisi and Davey set meetings with library staff, RBWM Library Friends and the Lead Member to explore the possibilities for Dedworth Library. Before COVID-19, the library ran 12 sessions, which were proposed to reduce to 4 or 5 sessions, each costing £3,000. Cost savings, such as reviewing the cleaning contract, converting the service to a Community Interest Company or charity to remove the £16,000 busines rate cost, and converting the unused boiler room for community use were explored. Ongoing discussions with major employers in the area on supporting the community library were taking place and four potential grant funding avenues were under review. The ‘Supporting Dedworth Library Community Hub’ Facebook group was created for residents to find information on Dedworth library, and residents who did not have access to social media would receive leaflets.

 

Councillor Tisi said there was misinformation that libraries were not being used and hence the hours were being reduced, as library usage was increasing. The library space was flexible as the bookshelves could be moved to use the library as a room hire.

 

Councillor Knowles said the other libraries provided electric library cards to residents to allow them to collect and return books, with a weekly visit from staff to tidy the library. Monetising ideas such using libraries as a drop-off and collection point for parcels, having café facilities, and using the library as a registered examination space were shared.

 

Richard Endacott said libraries were critical to the community for the demographic of Dedworth, such as the elderly and young mothers. Rather than cutbacks, there was a need to maintain and establish the community hub.

 

Councillor Davey felt the budget for library services was unsatisfactory, and a lot of investment was put in property developments. The Chairman said the discussion should not take place at the Forum. The Vice Chairman said the budget was approved by full council and Councillor Hilton said over a third of affordable housing was provided in the developments, with a return to the council. Councillor Knowles said he felt it was inappropriate that Councillor Hilton could respond as Lead Member when the Chairman said the topic was not a Forum matter.

 

(Councillor Knowles left the meeting.)

 

The Chairman said there were discussions on social media regarding the lack of reissuing of the green bins and invited Councillor Coppinger, Lead Member for Planning, Environmental Services and Maidenhead, to provide an update. Councillor Coppinger said the borough restarted issuing contracts for green bins on 1 March 2021; however, the website had not been updated. Residents were welcome to apply online. Councillor Davey said a resident informed him that her green bins had not been collected on nine occasions and she did not have access to the internet.

 

The Forum noted the item.