Agenda item

The forum will receive an update on the future provision for branch libraries around Bath.

The forum is asked for ideas (see attachment) that will be fed back at the next meeting in March 2018.

Ian Savigar introducing an update on modern libraries and explained that the council is currently in the “engagement and design” phase of the plans for Bath Central Library.

Tracey Long presented on Branch libraries

·  There are a maximum of 16 per cent of active library users, who have registered, in any area in B&NES. However, the council realises more people than that actually use libraries.

·  There is a high usage of Bath Central Library but little usage of the mobile library.

·  A large proportion of residents in Weston and Newbridge use their local library.

·  Some 265,000 people took out books from Bath Central Library in the 2016 financial with 192,000 using the online select and collect option.

·  The mobile library bus is visited more at some stops than others, it is hoped that we will be able to transfer some of the libraries over to the community and we want to see enhanced services.

·  The five branch libraries could be managed by a community body, there has been some interest and the council has a “package of support” to help people take over running the libraries.

There are three models for running a community library:

OPTION C

Independent Stock Community Run Library would see:

·  Running and staffing costs all funded by local group

·  Book/issues and membership rules (including fees and charges) determined at local level

·  IT equipment/support and maintenance, Wi-Fi, printing and any other systems funded by local group

·  Income from local sales and services retained by local group

·  B&NES decommissioned book stock plus any local sourced stock

·  Professional support from B&NES available through networking and training events

·  Eligible for one off Community Library Start Up Grant

OPTION B

B&NES stock only Community Run Library would see:

·  Running and staffing costs all funded by local group

·  Book/issues and membership rules (including fees and charges) determined at local level for rotated stock

·  IT equipment/support and maintenance, Wi-Fi, printing and any other systems funded by local group

·  Income from local sales and services retained by local group

·  B&NES identified rotated book stock plus any local sourced stock

·  Professional support from B&NES available through networking and training events

·  Eligible for one off Community Library Start Up Grant

OPTION A

B&NES and Consortium Stock Community Run Library would see:

Running and staffing costs all funded by local group

Catalogue book stock and professional support provided by B&NES

Part of Libraries West Consortium stock and reservations network

IT equipment/support and maintenance, Wi-Fi, printing and any other systems funded by local group

All loan related fees, fines and charges income retained by B&NES

Income from local sales and services retained by local group

Click and collect point for core Library stock on Libraries West Consortium system but any related fees, fines and charges income retained by B&NES for consortium system orders

Eligible for one off Community Library Start Up Grant

Library support and funding

·  The council will help community groups devise a business case that is sustainable and that was grant funding available.

·  The council will set up an example of Option A so that people could come along and have a look at this model.

·  Conversations in Weston and Moorland Road have started, groups in other areas of Bath come forward with any ideas they may have.

Roger Driver asked if there was a way to estimate the number of people who use libraries in ways other than taking out books, e.g., using wifi and computers for social welfare applications.

Response – The footfall and books borrowed can be measured but it is difficult to categorise other uses in the smaller branch libraries. The aim is to fit into other spaces and have places with mixed resources that fit the community needs. 

Roger requested that what information is available on the use of other services be made shared with the forum/communities.

Cllr Shaun Andrew Stephenson-McGall asked whether it was achievable for a community to run a library for 20-30 hours a week on a volunteer basis.

Response - It’s so surprising how many people want to do this and it works very well nationally. We already have examples of high numbers of volunteers in Saltford, Bishop Sutton and at a national level. Bath has a large student population that could help.

Cllr Joe Rayment sought assurance that the principle of a library would be maintained and that you would be able to sit there for as long as you liked without buying anything. The word “library sales” in the presentation did not feel right. Joe felt that there was the question of what would be the incentive for running a as a not for profit organisation?

Cllr Karen Warrington, Cabinet Member for Policy and Transformation explained that some groups might want to generate a revenue stream, but one size does not fit all. The request is that communities will now contact Council Officers to build on established ideas or show where there is support for new options.