The Public Consultation on the proposals was due to take place in March 2020 but this was halted due to the uncertainty relating to the emerging Pandemic, the subsequent closure of libraries and the digital offer being the sole library offer available to residents.
When Borough Libraries resumed a limited physical library offer in July 2020, plans to consult proceeded. The consultation went live on Thursday 3 Sept and closed on Monday 30 November.
The report outlines the results of the consultation and proposes an amended opening hours schedule based on feedback from respondents.
The new schedule will need to be in place by 1 April 2021 to ensure the required savings are achieved.
The full implications and mitigations of these changes can be understood in greater detail if this report is read alongside the proposed Library Transformation Strategy which aims to ensure the service contributes to the aims of the Corporate Transformation Strategy by focusing on building a community-centric Borough of opportunity and innovation.