Question
I was very impressed to read the report on page 27 of the latest Wokingham Borough News about the sheer variety of what libraries are doing. '... libraries are changing, because what you want from us is changing'
Many people would be surprised and disappointed to read elsewhere that it is proposed to move the Wokingham library from its current purpose-built location to a new home. What improved facilities will be provided to justify this move?
Minutes:
Question
I was very impressed to read the report on page 27 of the latest Wokingham Borough News about the sheer variety of what libraries are doing. '... libraries are changing, because what you want from us is changing'
Many people would be surprised and disappointed to read elsewhere that it is proposed to move the Wokingham library from its current purpose-built location to a new home. What improved facilities will be provided to justify this move?
Answer
The relocation of the Wokingham Library to the new site was agreed in 2017.
In our view it is clear that in its current location, Wokingham Library has been successful and continues to provide a range of well-used services and activities for all people of all ages. However, the current library site does have its challenges and there are areas where improvements could be made.
A key limitation to the current site is the two storey layout and the location of the library meeting rooms. This necessitates additional staffing and reduces options for utilising the library space in different ways. The floor area available on the new library site represents a similar amount of available space that is more accessible and provides greater flexibility in terms of use.
Having the library on one floor will also benefit the staffing and operation of the facility, with a clearer line of sight across all the activities taking place.
The current library site is somewhat isolated from the rest of the town centre and has limited ability to align itself directly with other activities, or to utilise any extra space for larger events. Within the new site high levels of footfall are expected along the main pedestrian route giving the library an increased presence in the heart of the development. It would also increase the opportunity for ‘linked trips’, with visitors to the leisure centre also combining this with a visit to the library. The proximity to substantial amounts of public parking close by the library and proximity to public transport will also improve access for visitors.
Supplementary Question
I am grateful for the words that you have said and obviously we give you notice of these questions so you know you have got time to investigate but what I would say is that amongst the things that you have listed none of those seem to actually talk about offering more facilities other than, and I hesitate to use the word, convenience of the staff.
Can I ask if you can easily identify the benefits of the scheme that you put this scheme to a form of public consultation so that existing users can at least be made aware of what you are proposing and you can at least get their views as to whether what you are proposing will improve circumstances for them?
Supplementary Answer
Before we actually set on this course we conducted a number of public consultations about the principle of relocating the library and specific proposals for Wokingham library. The responses were positive and helped to justify the recommendation to relocate Wokingham library.