Issue details

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.