Decision details

The Community Run Library Programme objectives were set out in the Cabinet paper E3000 dated 23/11/2017. The application meets the relevant criteria of the programme and is beneficial to the local community. Radstock Town Council will operate the Community Library within the existing Branch library in the town. Their vision is to create a ‘Community Hub for Radstock. The library will be the primary use, including access to services, space for voluntary and community groups to hire and office space for the Town Council.

The Town Council will manage the library with support of local volunteers. The building will be open on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday matching the current provision and will be extended to a Saturday opening when a sufficient number of volunteers have been recruited.

Equalities assessments have been carried out on each application and further advice has been given where appropriate. Each applicant will receive Equalities Training as part of the package of training support provided by the Council as well as on-going support through the libraries network.

The proposals will enable the Council to start to realise savings targets set by the Community Libraries Programme through reduced revenue costs. The Council will award £5,000 towards each applicant in accordance with the agreed criteria.

In addition, the Council will use its ‘Enabling Fund’ to support transitional costs for the Branch Library as well as making available unwanted equipment and furniture. This will be dealt with on a case by case basis and as appropriate.

An application to run a Community Run Library has been received including a request for funding from an existing Community Library. The applications have been assessed against a number of criteria which includes: governance, equalities, and community consultation. They have all followed the approved process set out in the Cabinet Decision E3000 and meet the criteria of the programme.

To approve Radstock Town Council’s application and grant of £5,000 towards the set-up of the Community Run Library.

The final terms of the agreement will be finalised in due course.

The objectives for setting up a Community Run Library were addressed in the Cabinet paper and discussed at length in a subsequent call in request. All applicants meet the requirements for a Community Run Library and only one application was submitted for each location. Other options would be considered by Cabinet if no applications had been received.