Purpose

This report describes concluding proposals, and supporting rationale following public and staff consultation, to transform the current
operating model for both face-to-face library, and customer services to create ‘a
universal front door’ to increase equity in access to council services.
The report outlines the Council's statutory obligations, under the Public Libraries and
Museums Act 1964, to deliver a comprehensive and efficient library service and how the new proposed Library and Information Service will achieve this.

Decision

RESOLVED that:-

(a)      Cabinet note the feedback from the library service consultation, particularly in relation to recommendations regarding service change or development;

(b)      Cabinet agree the new operating model that will combine and future proof the Library Service and Customer Experience to create a combined Library and Information Service which will go live in January 2027, and note that the costs associated with the new operating model will be met from the existing Library Services and Customer Experience base budget;

(c)      Cabinet agree to the introduction of the revised operating model of the 21 statutory libraries across Northumberland; 

(d)      Cabinet agree to progress the adoption of a Community Led Library model for Seaton Sluice and South Beach Libraries from 1 April 2027 with an appropriate financial support package to support the transition for a period of up to three years, and note the costs associated with this will be met from existing base budget or from the Library Service Improvement Fund Round 4 grant from Arts Council England where possible;

(e)      Cabinet agree a new enhanced model of ongoing Council support for the existing Community Led Libraries in Heddon and Haydon Bridge;

(f)       Cabinet agree to the introduction of a Smart Locker or Smart Bookshelf managed through the new Library and Information Service to replace the current Library provision in Kielder Village, Astley Park Pavillion, East Bedlington Community Centre and Guidepost; 

(g)      Cabinet agree to the new operating model for Library community outreach, including the mobile library service and home library service, enhanced by wider Council preventative and support capability;

(h)      Cabinet note the £491,000 investment received from Arts Council England (ACE), through the Libraries Improvement Fund, to support the Council’s drive to increase the engagement and reach of the Library Service through improving?digital infrastructure as part of?the?wider transformation project; and?

(i)       authority be delegated to the Executive Director of Public Health, Inequalities and Stronger Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism and Cabinet Member for Finance and Value for Money, to approve and implement any minor amendments required during the implementation phase, provided that such changes do not materially alter the strategic intent, scope or outcomes of the operating model approved by Cabinet.