Since the new approach was launched, our library service has been busy implementing the first phase of the 5-year plan, with the strong progress detailed in a report to be discussed by our Cabinet next week (4 December). Read the report which is item 11 on the Cabinet meeting agenda.
Due to our financial position, savings of £910,000 were integrated into the strategy to be achieved in a phased programme, while other aims include reflecting changing patterns of library use and ensuring the service is sustainable and remains as accessible, flexible, efficient and cost-effective as possible for future years.
Councillor Dawn Abbott, Cabinet Member for Health and Communities said:
“We absolutely recognise the importance of a strong library service across Derbyshire and we know how valuable each library is to its community.
“To ensure we can continue to provide this we must make sure the service is as efficient as possible and is doing all it can to modernise, ensuring it is sustainable and fit-for-the-future.
“The long-term plan is innovative and strong, and positive progress is being made across the board which we are confident will secure the future of our libraries for years to come, and ensure that we fulfil our statutory duties.”
Work completed, in progress or planned to improve and modernise the service, make it more efficient and/or generate income includes:
- digitally enhancing services and making the most of technology, including new PCs for library users with Windows 11 already installed in all libraries, and a plan to equip new mobile library vehicles with laptops to access the library catalogue
- a plan to move from large mobile library vehicles to 2 smaller vehicles, making the service more flexible and efficient, better able to serve rural communities and removing the need for HGV drivers to operate them
- exploring use of library space for Family Hubs and outside organisations including banks, with Swadlincote Library being used once a week by Santander Community Bank and Barclays Bank hubs already in place at Alfreton and Chesterfield Library
- agreeing the use of library sites for In-Post delivery units (lockers) now in place at 17 libraries and generating income for the service
- exploring co-location or relocation of several libraries across the county, which can help to improve accessibility due to more central locations and reduce running costs
- working with partners who have secured funding through the Government's Town Deal programme. For example, Staveley Library will relocate to the ground floor of the new Staveley Pavilion building, owned and operated by Chesterfield Borough Council, with us getting possession of the new library space by next spring
- pursuing opportunities to relocate the Buxton Museum and Art Gallery with Buxton Library into the town centre
- encouraging community groups to come forward to support libraries, including by providing additional services such as extending opening hours or forming Friends groups. Long Eaton Library has a new Friends group which has created a community café
At next week’s meeting as part of the same report, Cabinet will be asked to approve a recommendation to discontinue the proposed relocation of Clay Cross Library from its existing site in Kenning Park to a new extension of the Clay Cross Adult Education building (part of the Clay Cross Town Deal), in the town centre.
While the wider Clay Cross Town Deal work is progressing well, preliminary work on the development site has revealed more extensive works are needed which would impact funding available to fit out the new library through the Town Deal.
If the recommendation is agreed, we will continue to explore opportunities to improve Clay Cross Library at its current location, either through the Town Deal or in other ways.
As well as the above programme of works already in train across the library service, the report details savings which are being achieved by reducing opening hours by 10% across all libraries that we run, which was implemented in March, and centralising ICT/digital services and administrative support.