Issue - meetings

Report from the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment.

Recommendations:

That Cabinet:

1. Note the review of performance against the 2021–2026 Library Strategy, including key achievements and challenges identified during the Strategy period.

2. Approve the undertaking of a period of consultation with the public, partners, stakeholders and interested parties on the  ...  view the full agenda text for item 93

Consideration was given to the report which provided a review of performance against the 2021–2026 Library Strategy and its associated objectives and performance targets. It established that the majority of actions and objectives set out within the Strategy had been achieved, contributing to the Council’s wider ambitions for thriving neighbourhoods,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 93

Report from the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment.

Recommendations:

That Cabinet:

1. Note the review of performance against the 2021–2026 Library Strategy, including key achievements and challenges identified during the Strategy period.

2. Approve the undertaking of a period of consultation with the public, partners, stakeholders and interested parties on the development of a new Library Strategy for the period 2027–2032 and a future service delivery model for the Libraries and Neighbourhood Hubs Service.

3. Agree that a further report be brought to Cabinet following the consultation to present a draft Library Strategy 2027–2032, which will identify potential service improvements and efficiencies.

4. Authorise the Assistant Director of Culture, Sport and Tourism to notify the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) of the intention to consult on the Library Strategy and any potential changes to service provision.

At the Chairman’s invitation Councillor Marshall, the Cabinet Member for Street Scene and Green Spaces introduced the report noting it reviewed progress against the 2021-2026 Library Strategy and outlined proposals for next steps.

Over the past five years, libraries had evolved into neighbourhood hubs offering books, digital services, cultural activities, and health and wellbeing support. They also hosted job clubs, health sessions, and community events.

The report highlighted the achievements, areas for improvement, and sought approval to consult on a new 2027-2032 strategy to keep libraries inclusive, modern, and sustainable. Most objectives from the 2021-2026 strategy were delivered, including cultural hubs, digital inclusion, and health initiatives.

It was noted that reading for pleasure among young people had increased by 156%. Investments included a £1.5m refurbishment, £540k IT upgrade, and a new town centre library scheduled for autumn 2026. Customer satisfaction remained above 95%.

Borrowing was below target, along with declining volunteer hours post-pandemic, and limited engagement with underrepresented groups (men, young people, lower-income residents).

The Cabinet Member for Street Scene and Green Spaces noted the next steps: public consultation (Feb-July 2026), analysis and draft development (Aug-Oct 2026), draft strategy to Cabinet (Nov 2026), final strategy to Cabinet (Mar 2027), then Full Council adoption. The committee were asked to note performance, approve consultation, and agree to receive the draft strategy post-consultation.

Polly Hamilton, Assistant Director, Culture, Sport & Tourism noted the key focus of the strategy was on addressing identified performance issues, some of which were expected to improve immediately due to the new central library development in Rotherham town centre and the redevelopment of Wath library in the north of the borough.

The Chair invited members of the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board (OSMB) to raise questions and queries on the points raised.

Councillor Keenan noted her strong support for libraries and their importance to communities. She highlighted their personal significance and acknowledged learning new information from the report. Councillor Keenan sought clarification on the booklink service, how it operated, whether it was bookable, and how it could be promoted to reach vulnerable and harder-to-access communities. Councillor Keenan was also interested in understanding whether there were plans to expand community group use of libraries, similar to the Ukrainian group mentioned in the report. The response confirmed that Booklink was a targeted service supporting vulnerable groups and was highly valued. Further information was offered for members. It was noted that work with the Ukrainian community formed part of wider engagement with communities, particularly those for whom English was a second language. Opportunities were identified to expand this work through the new central library, celebrating cultural links and encouraging greater use of library resources and the wider town centre offer.

Councillor Brent asked whether borrowing figures included online borrowing. It was confirmed that they did, while visitor numbers only counted physical visits.
Councillor Brent then noted his extensive use of online libraries and highlighted the benefits of services such as PressReader for accessing newspapers and magazines. He suggested greater promotion of online  ...  view the full minutes text for item 72