The Tourism, Communities, Culture & Leisure Committee of Wirral Council met on 18 September 2025, and approved the transfer of Irby Library to Pioneer People Wirral, and also approved a new operating model for the Wirral Libraries Service based on eight key library sites. The committee also discussed the work programme for the coming year.

New Operating Model for Wirral Libraries Service

The committee voted to approve a new operating model for the Wirral Libraries Service, reducing the number of key library sites from 14 to eight. The decision follows a public consultation, the results of which are detailed in the Library Model Consultation Report Final. The council says the new model will allow it to meet its statutory duty to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964¹, while delivering a service that is modern, needs-led and financially sustainable. The changes are projected to save the council £250,000 over two years.

The eight sites that will form the statutory library network are:

• Bebington Central Library
• Birkenhead Central Library
• Eastham Library
• Heswall Library
• Moreton Library
• Upton Library
• Wallasey Central Library
• West Kirby Central Library

The libraries that will no longer be part of the statutory library network are:

• Greasby Library
• Rock Ferry Library
• Beechwood Library
• Leasowe (Community Partner Library)
• Seacombe (Community Partner Library)
• St. James (Community Partner Library)

The report notes that these sites will be considered by the Asset Management service, who will decide whether to retain them for alternative uses or sell them.

Under the proposals, all sites will continue to close for lunch between 1pm and 2pm, and Bebington, Birkenhead, Wallasey and West Kirby libraries will continue to offer extended evening hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 7pm. Eastham, Heswall, Moreton and Upton libraries will reduce their opening times by one afternoon per week.

The report recognised that the proposals may not align with the preferences of current users, particularly in Greasby, but argued that the new model would create a sustainable, equitable and forward-looking library service.

The committee reviewed the Wirral Libraries Needs Assessment, which highlighted that physical library loans have declined by 68% since 2012, while e-lending has increased by 625% in the same period.

The report also stated that the council is updating its Library Strategy to reflect community needs and service priorities since 2022. The new strategy, which will span the period 2026–2031, will focus on understanding local context, enhancing the core offer, and responding to acute needs.

The report stated that support would be given to local organisations that may continue to deliver services in community settings, including the potential transfer of existing IT equipment and book stocks.

Community Asset Transfer - Irby Library

The committee voted to approve the transfer of Irby Library to Pioneer People Wirral, based on a submitted business plan and heads of terms.

The report noted that the asset was put into the Community Asset Transfer process following the conclusion of the 2022/23 budget process, and was formerly a library but following a review of the Library Service was resolved to be surplus to requirements.

The committee had previously agreed terms to transfer the asset to the Friends of Irby Library (FOIL), but FOIL subsequently advised that it was unable to progress with the transfer but advised that it would be willing to work with Pioneer People to produce a viable business plan to enable Pioneer People to take the asset transfer but ensuring that local groups benefit from the transfer.

The business plan submitted by Pioneer People requests revenue support of £50,000 (£25,000 per year for the first two years) and a capital contribution of £80,000. The capital support will be paid in one payment to Pioneer People, and they will arrange the capital works required. The revenue support will be paid £25,000 per year for two years to cover revenue costs.

The lease agreement will make Pioneer People responsible for all outgoings and repairs and maintenance and compliance including all Health and Safety requirements.

Work Programme

The committee discussed its work programme for the 2025/26 municipal year and requested that an update report on the Birkenhead Park World Heritage Bid² and a regular item on grant funding opportunities be added.

The committee also discussed the proposed work programme for the September 2025 committee meeting and requested that non-key items be moved to a later date to allow more time to discuss the two proposed key items.

Councillor Ian Lewis, Chair of Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee introduced the report on the committee's work programme.