Issue - meetings

To update members on provision of library services across the borough following Leicestershire County Council’s review of libraries in 2014/15. Witnesses will be in attendance.

Members received a report on library service provision across the borough following Leicestershire County Council’s review of libraries in 2014/15. Mrs Bowler, trustee and chairman of Markfield Community Library, was in attendance as witness to outline her experience of setting up the group and taking over management and running of the library.

Councillor Lay declared a personal interest as ward councillor, parish councillor and having supported the group.

The difficulty in recruiting volunteers at Newbold Verdon library was discussed, and it was envisaged that this may become more of a problem across the borough as time passed.

In relation to Desford library, it was noted that, should the current negotiations not be successful, the library would close and a mobile library would serve the village. It was anticipated that the outcome would be known by the end of the year. One of the issues appeared to relate to maintenance of the building as work was required to repair the roof.

It was acknowledged that, whilst there were six community libraries now in operation, they may start to struggle once the financial support from the county council ended in five years, along with the difficulty in recruiting volunteers to operate the facilities.

The Scrutiny Commission supported Mrs Bowler’s request, on behalf of all community libraries, for the continuation of discretionary business rates discount for libraries and support with training for volunteers.

Councillor Ward left the meeting at 7.36pm.

Concern was expressed in relation to Barwell Library and the fact that an agreement could not be reached with the George Ward Centre which would have been ideal as it was a public building built for the community.

RESOLVED –

(i)            the Scrutiny Commission supports the continuation of business rate relief for libraries;

(ii)           officers be RECOMMENDED to consider how to provide access to training for the volunteers.