Agenda item

Briefing Note of the Deputy Chief Executive (People)

Further to minute 41/18 the Scrutiny Board considered a briefing note of the Deputy Chief Executive (People) which provided an update on the current position of the Coventry Libraries and Information Service.  The note included information about the recent service changes and delivery of savings, as well as updating the Board on current key performance measures and recent developments.

The Council introduced the Connecting Communities programme in 2015/2016. The programme was introduced in two phases with changes to Library Services introduced alongside changes to a number of other Council services.  The main changes to Library Services included reductions in opening hours, reductions in the amount of money spent on library stock, a move to three library types (core, partnership and community-led) along with the de-commissioning of the mobile library.

Phase one of the changes resulted in budget reductions of £802k, phase two of the changes supported a further reduction of £503k, totalling £1,305k.  In line with the Medium- Term Financial Strategy in November 2018 a third set of proposals focused on increased self-service and other limited service reductions was consulted on with staff and service users which reduced budgets by a further £319k.

A summary of the current status of the 17 public libraries which operated in the City was provided and performance information was detailed in the appendix to the update.  Visits and loans from Libraries remained positive and the use of ICT (both number of sessions and hours) showed an increase year on year.  Changes to the opening hours of community-led libraries had started to result in improved performance.  A recent Cipfa survey identified Central Library in Coventry as having the second most visitors in the West Midlands (after the Hive, Worcester) and the third highest number of loan issues (after the Hive, Worcester and Rugby Library).

The three community-based organisations delivering Cheylesmore, Earlsdon and Finham libraries continued to have healthy numbers of volunteers supporting these libraries.  The Library Service itself also had positive opportunities for local people to volunteer, training over 113 with now around 62 volunteers supporting Council library settings.  Recruitment of volunteers was now part of the day-to-day operation of the service.  Volunteering in Libraries had been a stepping-stone for many into paid employment, including at least 3 who had gone on to be appointed to Library Service jobs.

The Council consulted with staff regarding plans to introduce single-staffed libraries last year.  Following representations from staff, Trades Unions and from others including the Scrutiny Board, it was decided in consultation with the Cabinet Member not to pursue this in the form proposed.  As future budget proposals were considered and options for the co-location of services were developed, opportunities for creative staffing models would be explored. 

Other proposals for reduced budgets were introduced as per the proposals discussed by the Board in November 2018.  These included the introduction of a ‘Library Express’ model at Central Library, ending the provision of hard copy newspapers and magazines (except for the Coventry Telegraph) the introduction of a privately-run café within Central Library, which should be fully open in early 2020 and an externally funded Visa scheme, which had been successful with an expansion of the capacity planned from February.

The development of the Cultural Offer included:

·  Central Library continued to host live music events in association with the Arts Council, supported by Get It Loud in Libraries.

·  Discussions with the Arts Council and City of Culture around a bid of national significance to support the digital agenda in Coventry Libraries.  Potential partners included the BBC and British Film Institute.  A secondary bid was also being developed with the Arts Council exploring reading in the City.  The project aimed to achieve 1 million reads in 2021 by engaging people in Coventry in a wide range of reading activities.

·  Collaboration with the two Universities and plans for Libraries from each institution to deliver a range of activity including a readathon, reminiscence boxes, a human library and festival of reading for reading groups.

·  Partnership with the Shakespeare birthplace trust to deliver a new Early Years programme of activity in libraries.

·  Discussions with Coventry University regarding the potential move of the Fab Lab into Central Library.  This move would bring together digital creativity sessions with digital fabrication opportunities and so create a central location offering opportunities of play, creation and learning as well as providing stimulus for local entrepreneurship.

Libraries continued to play an important role in promoting good health and mental wellbeing.  One recent initiative which the service was very proud of was the Creative Kindness partnership with Grapevine.  Led by volunteers, the group meets at Central Library and provided valuable support for isolated people.  Reading Well for Children would be widely promoted and launched in February 2020.

Coventry Library Service was well placed to become recognised as a ‘Library of Sanctuary’.  Work was progressing with the National Libraries of Sanctuary movement to achieve this certification.

The Cabinet Member was pleased that despite financial constraints the city still had libraries within neighbourhoods and recognised the important role played by volunteers enabled by the City Council.

The SB questioned the Cabinet Member and officers present on the following:

·  Increasing community libraries in the future

·  Increasing technology and e-books

·  Library locations, buildings and opportunities

·  Anti-social behaviour

·  Managing cover

·  Volunteers who take books to people unable to access the library

·  Demographics of volunteers

Officers reported on the evolving nature of the service, the challenge of low numbers of ebooks available from publishers, behaviour in libraries and work with Age UK.  Officers agreed to provide details of the demographics of volunteers and staff for the Scrutiny Board.

The Scrutiny Board thanked officers and volunteers all of their support in making this important service remain open in local communities.  The Scrutiny Board were pleased that their views on single staffing in libraries had influenced decision making and asked that ward Councillors be kept informed about any changes so that they can support their local communities.

RESOLVED that the Scrutiny Board

(1) recognise that despite challenges faced by the Library Service the service was still provided within neighbourhoods and would like to thank all the volunteers and officers involved.

(2) That consideration be given by the Cabinet Member and officers to opportunities available to address the condition of the library buildings in Canley, Coundon and Jubilee Crescent to ensure they are able to maximise community activities.