The library service proposals are set out in our new draft Derbyshire Public Library Service Strategy 'A Modern Library Service for Derbyshire' which was unveiled last month.
The proposals are aimed at meeting necessary budget savings and reflecting changing patterns of library use while ensuring the service remains as accessible, efficient and cost-effective as possible.
A 12-week consultation has been launched today (Monday 12 August) and residents are being urged to take part and give their views by filling out a questionnaire.
Paper copies of the questionnaire will also be available in all county libraries and through the mobile and home library services for people who are unable to fill it in online.
Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture, Tourism and Climate Change, Councillor Barry Lewis, said:
“It is a priority for us that we have a strong and accessible library service and we know how important this is to Derbyshire residents too.
“There are many positive proposals contained in the draft strategy which will ensure library services are maintained and investment is made where it is needed to not only secure but also enhance this vital service for years to come.”
The main proposals contained in the draft strategy are:
- To reduce opening hours across the library network by an average of 10%. Opening hours would be localised for each community and would reflect the busiest periods; neighbouring libraries would not be closed on the same days.
- To ensure all libraries open for a time on a Saturday, with larger libraries also opening until 6pm twice a week.
- To remove reservation charges for book and talking book requests, where the item is either in print or in stock in Derbyshire libraries, and remove charges for borrowing talking books, to mitigate some of the impact of a reduction in hours.
- To merge the mobile service and home library service, to create one 'outreach' service for vulnerable customers and those living in remote areas. The outreach service would use a greener fleet of smaller, lower carbon vehicles, increasing efficiency, lowering costs and reducing the service’s carbon footprint.
- To review opportunities to make more efficient use of library buildings, where this can be achieved and either improve or not adversely impact the service. This could involve re-locating some libraries to new, lower cost, more energy efficient sites, co-locating some libraries with other services/organisations or changing the layout of some library buildings to make them more efficient, flexible and accessible. These options if achieved would greatly reduce maintenance and running costs which are high in some older library buildings.
- To improve digital provision in all libraries, including access to other council services and installation of self-service terminals in more of the smaller libraries to increase efficiency and accessibility.
- To invite volunteers to help support access to library services by introducing a new way of managing provision termed 'community-supported libraries'.
Like many authorities across the country, we continue to face significant budgetary pressures far greater than experienced before due to factors beyond our control. These include dealing with higher than anticipated inflation, higher prices for fuel, energy and materials and a continued unprecedented increase in demand for adults’ and children’s social care services.
Library service savings of £625,000 need to be made by 2028-29 and were included in a number of budget savings proposals put forward earlier this year to support us setting a balanced budget over the course of our Five-Year Financial Plan up to 2028-29.
Councillor Barry Lewis said:
“Despite huge budget pressures continuing to face the council we are working very hard to ensure we continue to offer a strong and vibrant library service which is modern and sustainable, while meeting the differing needs of our communities.
“It’s really important to us that we gather as many views as possible from our residents, community groups and organisations before any decisions are made early next year and I’d urge anyone with an interest in the library service to have their say.”
The library service consultation runs until Saturday 2 November 2024. Residents with any queries about the consultation should email publiclibrary.consultation@derbyshire.gov.uk
The strategy can be found on the Cabinet meeting agenda, item 5, appendix 2.