Agenda item

To examine the Libraries Transformation Programme.

7.1       The Committee received a report advising of the proposed changes to the library service to deliver savings and enhance efficiency.  The Committee noted that the Council was committed to keeping all its libraries open and maintaining the current pattern of opening hours and access to services which included the specialist services of the Westminster Archives, Music and Reference libraries. 

7.2       The Committee welcomed Kathy Settle, Chief Executive of the Libraries Taskforce, who spoke about the Independent Library Report and the work undertaken by the Taskforce following the recommendations made in the report.  The Committee discussed the soon to be published ‘Ambition document’ which set out how library services could support the delivery of local and national government priorities such as health and wellbeing, economic growth and digital literacy using a range of approaches to deliver cost-effective library services, as well as, providing a focus on governance and delivery of services, new ways of working and the importance of marketing and communication of the library service.

7.3       Mike Clarke, Tri-Borough Director of Libraries and Archives, then discussed the significant savings that had been achieved through the Tri-Borough arrangement. The Committee noted that Westminster offered a wide range of services that other boroughs did not such as the Archives and Music Library Services.  Mike then emphasised that the Council saw a secure future for its libraries at the heart of its communities and contributing to City For All priorities both on their own and in conjunction with other services.

7.4       The Committee heard that Westminster was currently the highest spending library service per resident in England but noted that there was not a correlation between the amount of money spent and an increase in service use.  The Committee then discussed the approach being taken to remodel Westminster’s library service, the importance of libraries to local communities and the wide range of services they offer residents and the potential to develop commercial activity such as coffee carts, amazon lockers and increasing revenue from room hire.  The Committee noted that a Westminster Libraries Commission would be established in 2017 to consider and advise on the longer term future of library services.

7.5       The Chairman thanked everyone who had given up their time to attend the meeting and contribute to the discussion.

7.6       ACTIONS

1.    That a briefing note be sent on the additional benefits (such as health benefits) and/or incentives that could be offered to library staff

2.    That the terms of reference and timetable for the Westminster Libraries Commission be sent to the Committee Members.

7.7       RESOLVED: The Committee made the following comments which would be forwarded to the Cabinet Member for Sports and Leisure for consideration:

3.    The Committee welcomed the City Council’s commitment to the future of the Library Service.

4.    The Committee noted the importance of libraries as community hubs within our central London location and particularly noted Westminster’s lead in funding per resident.

5.    The Committee welcomed the position of the Cabinet Member to look at the longer term future of the service by establishing the Westminster Libraries Commission and looked forward to working with him and the Commission to help shape the future library service.