Lead Member – Councillor Lezley Picton – Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure

Report of the Director of Place and Enterprise

Contact: George Candler   Tel: 01743 255003

RESOLVED:

i.     That the draft Library Services Strategy for Shropshire, 2018 to 2023 be confirmed.

ii.    That a ten-week public and stakeholder consultation be undertaken on the draft Library Services Strategy for Shropshire prior to bringing the outcomes of the consultation and the final Strategy back to Cabinet for approval.

iii.  That delegated authority be granted to the Director of Place and Enterprise in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure to finalise the draft Strategy and public consultation before a report is brought back to Cabinet in Autumn 2017.

The Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure presented the report seeking approval to consult on a new draft Library Services Strategy for Shropshire.  She explained that the report set out how the Council would continue to meet its statutory services.  She stressed that no closure of existing services was being planned but prioritisation of future library services would be needed.

Members were pleased to note that no planned closure of static libraries was being proposed.  Several Members spoke in support of library services in general and their value to the local community.  Some concern was expressed regarding the reduction in mobile library stop offs; the Portfolio Holder stated that this list was constantly refined and would form part of the consultation so local residents would be informed.

Whilst acknowledging the Council’s commitment to maintain libraries, a Member stated that the Shrewsbury Town Council was disappointed that it had not been consulted prior to the release of the consultation document.  The Portfolio Holder stated that feedback from the Town Council would be most welcome and would be considered as part of the consultation process.

RESOLVED:

i.     That the draft Library Services Strategy for Shropshire, 2018 to 2023 be confirmed.

ii.    That a ten-week public and stakeholder consultation be undertaken on the draft Library Services Strategy for Shropshire prior to bringing the outcomes of the consultation and the final Strategy back to Cabinet for approval.

iii.  That delegated authority be granted to the Director of Place and Enterprise in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure to finalise the draft Strategy and public consultation before a report is brought back to Cabinet in Autumn 2017.