Library Service Strategy 2024 to 2029 consultation

Consultation closed: 23 June 2024
Consultation opened: 29 April 2024

This strategy is aligned with our 2050 Vision and aligns key library service priorities and objectives with corporate aims and aspirations. It provides a defined approach for the next 5 years, shaping library services around local needs.

What will success look like: success criteria

Libraries as community hubs

• increased visits
• increased volunteers
• increase partnerships with other council services and community partners to deliver new or improved services
• increased customer satisfaction levels
• events, activities, and services operate outside core opening hours

Libraries improving wellbeing

• up-to-date Reading Well collections
• increased attendance at events and activities
• increased volunteering activities and numbers
• increased number of services and organisations running health and wellbeing services through libraries

Libraries as centres for learning and participation

• increased borrowing of books and e-resources
• increased attendance at activities that encourage reading, learning and engagement in cultural activities
• increased participation in the annual Summer Reading Challenge
• relevant current subjects across a wide range of resources available in libraries
• study spaces with free Wi-Fi and a modern digital offer in all libraries
• enhanced offer for schools and stronger partnerships between libraries and local schools

High quality library facilities

• library buildings are maintained to a high standard
• a clear plan of future capital improvements to the library estate
• aspire to provide sustainable and low carbon library facilities
• additional Section 106 developer contributions secured from new housing developments

An action plan will be created to outline deliverable actions over the next 5 years. The delivery will be overseen by the Library Management Team who will monitor progress
on a quarterly basis. 

Each year the Library Management Team will:

• review and update the action plan
• measure deliverable, measurable actions against key performance indicators
• benchmark performance against other local authorities

Monitor services by using both data and the feedback and experiences of our communities. Monitor our financial budget, reviewing progress and making any additional actions needed to implement the strategy.