Agenda item

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.

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, cultural engagement, health and wellbeing, and improved digital access. The report also sought approval to undertake a public consultation on a new Library Strategy for the period 2027–2032 and a future service delivery model for the Libraries and Neighbourhood Hubs Service. The consultation would ensure that the new Strategy remained relevant, continued to meet community needs, and aligned with the Council’s priorities and national library frameworks, and also met the statutory service requirements.

The current Library Strategy was developed following a comprehensive analysis of local need and significant public consultation. It was approved by Cabinet in October 2020 and adopted by Council in November 2020, providing the framework for modernising library services across the Borough. It set out an ambitious plan to improve library buildings and facilities, strengthen community partnerships, increase digital inclusion, and deliver cultural and learning opportunities for residents.

Section 2.1.2 of the report set out the progress made against the seven key objectives. Highlights included libraries evolving into cultural hubs; increases in the number of young people reading for pleasure; upgraded ICT infrastructure; delivering coding clubs, homework support and employability programmes; creating autism-friendly spaces in multiple libraries; investing more than £1.5m in refurbishments and the beginning of construction on the new Central Library.

The 2021–2026 Library Strategy established a set of measurable targets to ensure progress could be tracked and evaluated throughout the 5 year period. These targets were designed to reflect the Service’s priorities and demonstrate the value and impact of libraries across Rotherham. Progress was monitored via monthly dashboards in collaboration with the Performance and Improvement Team. 7 out of 10 targets had been met. Appendix 3 - Library Strategy Performance Against Objectives and Targets provided further detail, outlining performance to date against the key objectives and targets as set out in the Strategy.

Approval was sought to undertake a Borough-wide public consultation to inform the development of a new Library Strategy for 2027–2032 and a future service delivery model for Libraries and Neighbourhood Hubs. This consultation would ensure that the next Strategy reflected community priorities, addressed areas of underperformance, and continued to align with statutory obligations and Council objectives. It would also provide an opportunity to consider how libraries could best support thriving neighbourhoods, digital inclusion, cultural engagement, and health and wellbeing in a sustainable way.

The report was considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Management Board who advised that the recommendations be supported. The Cabinet Member reminded all Members to assist with the consultation and ensure hard to reach groups were included.

Resolved:

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 submitted 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.