Decision details
Peasedown Community Run Library Approval
Decision Maker: Director Partnership & Corporate Services
Decision status: Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: No
Purpose:
The Community Run Library Programme objectives
were set out in the Cabinet paper E3000 dated 23/11/2017. The
application has shown that it meets the relevant criteria and is
beneficial to the local community.
PRA will operate the community library in St Johns Community Hall.
They have opted for Option B (700 books) which includes the click
and collect service. The community space is currently being used
for coffee mornings, social events, activities, public meetings and
fundraising events. The community library will operate three half
days per weeks (including Saturday). PRA have recruited 22
volunteers who will help run the facility, they will be managed by
a volunteer co-ordinator.
As there are a number of community buildings in the village, PRA
has provided an options analysis setting out their rationale for
choosing the location which included dedicated space to run the
community library and significantly reduced running costs as the
building has been offered free of charge.
As part of the assessment process equalities issues were
considered. PRA has demonstrated that they had given consideration
to equalities issues within their policy and proposal submitted.
They 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.
PRA has undertaken a consultation with their local community. A
survey was sent to all households in the Autumn of 2018. This
includes a series of questions to gauge the level of interest and
information about local residents needs. As a result a number of
local residents came forward to volunteer.
Decision:
An application from Peasedown St John
Residents Association (PRA) to run a Community Run Library has been
received and has been assessed against a number of criteria which
includes: governance, equalities, and community consultation. The
application which includes a one off grant of £5,000 has been
approved. The funding will be used to purchase new equipment and
associated library costs. The final terms of the agreement will be
finalised in due course.
Alternative options considered:
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. PRA Application meets the
requirements for a Community Run Library and only one application
has been submitted for this location.
Comments were received from Peasedown St John Parish Council
regarding an alternative option to investment the funding to
reintroduce the mobile stop at St Johns Court. PRA’s proposal
provides better value for money as it will offer local residents a
weekly library service with associated activities. For those
residents unable to access the service they will be able to
referral to the Home Library service.
Other options would be considered by Cabinet if no application had
been received.
Publication date: 04/07/2019
Date of decision: 02/07/2019