Decision details

The Chair welcomed Julie Bell, Head of Service – Libraries, Museums, Culture and Registration Services; and Steve Lloyd, Libraries, Museums, Culture and Registration Services Manager, to the meeting.

The report presented provided information and progress on the reopening of libraries across Lancashire. Regarding the next steps the libraries that had reopened had upgraded public library network computers. Another key delivery service was mobile provision and home library service and the team was working on a review of this. The committee was informed that LCC delivered a prison library service to five prisons in Lancashire. Friends groups were key to moving forward. Workforce development was also vitally important particularly around information and digital.

The committee was informed that there was coordination between libraries in different geographical areas for different late night openings and different closed days.

Sustainability of the libraries was a major concern. The team was working closely with friends groups around sustainability.  Councillors could get involved with communities in forming more friends groups. It was also working with volunteers and the issue around self-service machines. It was vital to work collaboratively with communities. The team was also working closely with the Asset Management Team.

Members were informed that a performance tool was in place which collected information for each individual library to see how they were performing. This information was available for county councillors, management team and the staff of the libraries. It was highlighted that performance was not just about issuing books but also what activities were taking place in the libraries.

The committee praised the prison library service as this had proved a very successful delivery service. The service was nationally recognised as well as the home delivery service and the mobile library service. It was noted that the digital library service was a growth service and an extremely successful and accessible service.

Resolved: That the progress on the reopening of the libraries programme be noted.