Purpose

To present the draft Library Strategy and a range of delivery options for achieving its key priorities, and to seek the Committee’s direction on its preferred options, appetite for transformational change, and any parameters to guide the development of the final Library Strategy.

Decision

Following the passing of the proposed Amendment, the Committee RESOLVED (by 6 votes in favour, 3 abstentions) to:

1. Approve the draft strategy including all options for change.
2. Approve and authorise the Executive Director, Growth & Regeneration in consultation with the Chair of the Public Health & Communities Committee to take all steps required to progress the four priority workstreams (Extending Library Opening Hours, Community-Led Library Models, Expanding Volunteering and Capital planning) into the Discovery Phase to inform development of the final Library Strategy and future detailed implementation proposals as outlined in the report.
3. Approve the delivery of Phase 2b between October 2026 and January 2027, with oversight provided through the Library Strategy Project Board in accordance with the Terms of Reference set out in Appendix A7
4. Note the findings, evidence base and supporting data from Phases 1 and 2 (set out in Appendix  A1) as the foundation for developing the full Library Strategy.
5. Note a further report will be brought back to the Committee to approve the final Library Strategy and implementation plan in January 2027.
6. Progressing options into discovery does not approve any specific staffing model or immediate staffing change. Proposals materially affecting staffing will be subject to appropriate staff and trade union consultation (including with UNISON) and financial, operational, equality, safeguarding and health and safety assessments before any substantive implementation decision. Discovery may examine rotas, deployment, volunteering and extended opening hours within agreed resources.