Agenda item

To consider an update regarding the Library Service within the Borough

The Committee considered a report, set out in agenda pages 45 to 62, which gave an update on the Library Service within the Borough.

The report outlined a number of topics including the statutory requirements for library provision, an overview of the nine libraries which Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) operated across the Borough, and library enhancements and library relocations.

Bill Soane (Executive Member for Neighbourhood and Communities) and Mark Redfearn (Head of Localities Service) attended the meeting to answer Member queries.

During the ensuing discussions, Members raised the following points and queries:

·           It was agreed that the slides relating to the new library offer be circulated to the Committee.

·           Would the Executive Member be happy to set up a cross party working group to look at the future library offer, including making use of Members on the Arts and Culture working group? Executive Member response – This was a good idea which would be looked into to see if it could be accommodated. An update would be provided to Members regarding this.

·           Were there any plans to have additional opening hours on Sundays, and could any future consultation take place during school term time? Officer response – When the library offer was consulted on five years ago the main goal was to be as inclusive as possible, and the more input from library users including students the better. Officers were always looking at when library users most wanted the service to be open, which had included less evening offerings and additional Saturday offerings. It would cost an additional approximate £35k per year to facilitate Sunday openings.

·           Was the micro library in Shinfield of sufficient functionality for the population that it served? Officer response – This was part of the amenities within the wider SDL, with space for approximately 1500 books, a self-serving kiosk and intelligent shelving. The Parish Council were involved in coming up with ideas as to how best use the space for sessions, such as story time sessions.

·           How well used were the smaller libraries in the Borough? Officer response – Figures relating to usage statistics for the smaller libraries could be circulated to the Committee. The Earley library was less well used than Woodley or Wokingham, but still better used than others.

·           Did people tend to congregate in the larger facilities, or were they dispersed amongst the smaller facilities as well? Officer response – The smaller libraries remain well used whilst the larger sites of Woodley, Wokingham and to a lesser extend Lower Earley attracted a significant number of users. The libraries themselves were spaces within communities which were used as community hubs for activities and groups. It was important to have provision outside of the main hubs of Wokingham, Woodley and Earley.

·           It was really important to incorporate the Arts Strategy into our library provision. What was planned in this regard? Officer response – Officers wanted libraries to be gateways to other things including culture and learning opportunities. Artwork from local artists was often displayed, and local authors were encouraged to come along for reading sessions. The new Wokingham library would follow suit, and there would be space for artistic exhibitions.

·           Residents living in areas with a smaller library would be happy to hear the support from officers regarding the important roles that these spaces provided.

·           Would it be possible to work with Optalis to put an Alzheimer’s café in the new Carnival Pool hub? Executive Member and officer response – This could be looked at by the potential future working group, and this was a worthwhile idea to explore alongside the voluntary sector. The café was due to be operated by a 3^rd party, and additional details would have to be worked out with them. The plan was to make the library and café as accessible as possible for all users.

·           It was noted that libraries were more than just buildings and books. Libraries were community focussed areas, with learning opportunities, educational facilities and arts and culture sessions and exhibitions.

·           Had conversations been had with the University of Reading Library and the British Museum relating to outreach of the Borough’s Library Service? Officer response – Detailed talks had not been had with the University of Reading, but the door was always open for future talks. Contact had been made with the archives, and prior to the pandemic discussions had been ongoing relating to how the archives outreach service could align with the work of the Library Service and also schools. These conversations were ongoing and it was a key aim for the Service. In addition to this, conversations were always ongoing with schools and with Children’s Services colleagues. A key success of engagement with schools included the author’s in schools projects, which had received a fantastic attendance.

·           It was good to see all of the work being done to improve the Woodley library, including the works to make the building energy efficient. Were officers open to the idea of displaying the figures as to how much energy the building had generated, as well as information explain how a heat pump worked? Officer response – This was a good idea and officers would look to incorporate this.

·           The Committee gave their universal praise for the team behind the Library Service, and hoped that the team would continue to innovate going forwards.

·           The Executive Member commented that it was WBC’s duty to continue to support the residents using these services and improve upon them. The possible future working group would look at potential improvements to support residents.

·           It was noted that officers within the Library Service worked tirelessly to improve and innovate the service.

RESOLVED That:

1)     Bill Soane and Mark Redfearn be thanked for attending the meeting;

2)     The slides relating to the new library offer be circulated to the Committee;

3)     It be recommended that the Executive Member explore the opportunity for the creation of a cross-party working group to look at the future offering of the Library Service, whilst looking to include Members from the Arts and Culture working group;

4)     Figures relating to usage statistics for the smaller libraries be circulated to the Committee;

5)     Officers consider the provision of an interactive sign in the Woodley library detailing how much energy the building had generated, how much carbon had been saved, and how other features such as a heat pumped worked;

6)     The team behind the Library Service be thanked for their tireless work and innovations;

7)     A future update regarding the new library offer return to the Committee when it has progressed.