Agenda item
Libraries Transformation project
The Libraries Transformation Project is a One Council project to improve the quality of library provision in Brent, while contributing to the Council’s need to meet efficiency targets in response to reductions in funding. The number of library buildings in the borough will be reduced, enabling resources to be concentrated on the best located libraries. An enhanced core library offer for residents will be established that provides value for money and reflects the needs of all customers. Online and digital services will be expanded to widen access and comparable services will be provided to those who are unable to visit a library. Libraries will be co-located with council services and local agencies to provide community hubs with cultural activity.
Appendix also below
Decision:
(i) that the proposals of the Libraries Transformation Project at 3.3 of the report from the Director of Environment and Culture be noted;
(ii) that the public consultation on the proposals be approved;
(iii) that agreement be given to the submission of a further report to the Executive in April 2011, setting out the consultation results and final recommendations on the future of the library service.
Minutes:
Councillor Powney (Lead Member, Environment, Planning and Culture) introduced the report from the Director of Environment and Culture which set out proposals to improve the quality of library provision in the borough while contributing to efficiency savings needed in response to funding reductions. The report sought approval for a public consultation exercise which would involve public meetings and the Area Consultative Forums. The Executive also had before them an appendix to the report which was not for publication for the following reasons set out in schedule 12(A) of the Local Government Act 1972 namely:
- information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding the information) and
- information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings.
Councillor Powney set out the reasoning behind the proposals which took into account location, current usage and options for the future and also the condition of the buildings. He referred to the high level of correspondence he had already received on the matter and including that from organisations interested in providing a service. He emphasised the need for robust business cases to be presented in order for these to be given serious consideration. Councillor Powney also recognised that in cases where covenants were involved, owners’ consent to changes in management arrangements would need to be obtained. In response to petitioners, Councillor John contributed that the cost of borrowing books was high in some libraries taking into account the running costs of premises and that there was evidence that those libraries located on high streets were better used and so more cost effective.
Councillor HB Patel spoke against the proposals stating that the country was well known for its library service and that location and running costs should not be deciding factors. He welcomed the intention to consult but drew attention to the strength of feeling expressed by residents who would fight closures. Councillor Lorber referred to improvements that had taken place in Barham Library and Neasden Library involving shared facilities and the recent redevelopment of Harlesden Library with the benefit of lottery funding. He expressed a wish that the consultation would be meaningful, take into account all users who would be affected including schools and those with low incomes and ensure that all options were presented clearly.
Councillor Powney assured that the public consultation on the future of the library service would be fully advertised and that details would be sent to ward councillors. Members regretted that closures had to be considered but in the face of public sector funding cuts, the current costs were not sustainable.
RESOLVED:-
(i) that the proposals of the Libraries Transformation Project at 3.3 of the report from the Director of Environment and Culture be noted;
(ii) that the public consultation on the proposals be approved;
(iii) that agreement be given to the submission of a further report to the Executive in April 2011, setting out the consultation results and final recommendations on the future of the library service.
Supporting documents:
- ens-libraries-transformation, item 8. PDF 95 KB
- Restricted enclosure View the reasons why document 8./2 is restricted