Purpose

To present the key elements of the new draft
Library Strategy ahead of a second stage consultation
process.

Content

RESOLVED that Cabinet:
-

(A)     
endorse the draft Library
Strategy as an ambitious plan to ensure our libraries remain at the
heart of our communities and open to all;

(B)       
supports the implementation of
Open Access technology in 4 libraries to aid the ability for them
to be in use when otherwise they would be closed;

(C)       
support the clustering of
libraries within 4 geographical areas;

(D)       
endorse the approach to work up
plans for the remodelling of Hamworthy, Rossmore, Southbourne and
Charminster libraries as community hubs to enable wider use and
understand the options for Winton Library;

(E)       
endorse the development of
options appraisals in relation to Creekmoor and Parkstone
libraries, in time, as required;

(F)       
support the continued creation of
Friends’ Groups and volunteer roles in supporting the library
offer;

(G)      
endorse the high-level action
plan which will be developed to support strategy delivery;

(H)       
support consultation needs on a
project-by-project basis over the life of the strategy;

(I)          
delegate authority to the Director of Customer
and Property in conjunction with the Portfolio Holders for Culture
and Communities, in relation to decisions arising from the strategy
and action plan; and

(J)        
recognise the key role that arts, culture,
creative health and public health can play in the future
flourishing of our libraries and support ongoing work with Arts
Council England to explore NPO status over the lifetime of the
Strategy.
Voting:
Unanimous
Portfolio Holder:
Customer, Communications and Culture
Reason
To ensure that the
Library Strategy for BCP over the next five years is
implemented.