Issue - meetings

Having taken account of the equalities analysis set out in the impact assessment and update of the submitted report:

a.         That the vote of thanks expressed by the Communities Select Committee on 26 September 2013 and Library Service to all volunteers and communities who have been involved with the success of this initiative be endorsed.

b.         That the progress made in implementing its decision on 24 July 2012 establishing 6 out of 10 Community Partnered Libraries (CPLs) be noted, and the Cabinet looked forward to the remaining 4 libraries opening as CPLs.

Reasons for Decisions:

Implementing the CPL policy has marked a major step change in how access to library services is delivered in Surrey. Working with CPLs is providing both libraries and SCC with new learning experiences in how community led provision can make the range of services offered at these libraries more accessible and diverse, helping to improve services in the future.

Implementation has also required substantial input from the Council's Legal and Property services, and support from Finance, Audit and Insurance. Introducing, supporting and developing the CPL model has involved all aspects of the Library Service and has led to a number of improvements. These include training and how library staff working with volunteers, as well as a clearer vision of how libraries in general can maintain their position at the heart of their communities, as community hubs, in a changing world.

The successful implementation of CPLs, at six libraries to date, is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the council officers involved, and the commitment of the CPL steering groups and volunteers.

Evidence from customers and volunteers indicates that the CPLs are a valued complement to the Surrey library network, operating with a renewed sense of purpose and vigour and with ambitious plans for future development.  

[The decisions on this item can be called in by the Communities Select Committee]

In introducing this progress report, the Leader of the Council said that he believed that Cabinet had made a brave decision not to close any Surrey libraries in this challenging economic climate but had taken the decision to find new ways to sustain the network, by increasing community involvement. He considered that the introduction of the Community Partnered Libraries (CPLs) would not have been possible without the outstanding work of the library team.

The Cabinet Member for Community Services said that this report provided Cabinet with an update of progress since the implementation of the decision to set up CPLs. She also thanked the Communities Select Committee for its input and the volunteers from local communities, some of whom had attended the select committee to give their views on CPLs. She drew attention to Annex 1 which provided a detailed commentary on each CPL and confirmed that the remaining four CPLs were at various stages of negotiation and implementation. She also informed Cabinet that the Lord Lieutenant had expressed a desire to visit some CPLs and she hoped that these visits would be arranged shortly. Finally, she thanked Peter Milton, Rose Wilson and their team for their work in setting up the CPLs, which had included training the volunteers.

Other Cabinet Members made the following points:

·         Supportive of CPLs which had often been able to increase their opening hours and provide evening talks.

·         Newly acquired skills and the growing confidence of volunteers.

·         The number of people wanting to become volunteers.

·         Commending the Equalities Impact Assessment and the progress made but stressing the importance of its continued monitoring.

·         The establishment of micro libraries.

·         Acknowledgement that Mr Geoff Marlow, former Chairman of Surrey County Council, and his wife had ‘laid the groundwork’ for establishing the first CPL in Byfleet.

RESOLVED:

Having taken account of the equalities analysis set out in the impact assessment and update of the submitted report:

a.         That the vote of thanks, expressed by the Communities Select Committee on 26 September 2013 and Library Service to all volunteers and communities who have been involved with the success of this initiative, be endorsed.

b.         That the progress made in implementing its decision on 24 July 2012 establishing 6 out of 10 Community Partnered Libraries (CPLs) be noted, and the Cabinet looked forward to the remaining 4 libraries opening as CPLs.

Reasons for Decisions:

Implementing the CPL policy has marked a major step change in how access to library services is delivered in Surrey. Working with CPLs is providing both libraries and SCC with new learning experiences in how community led provision can make the range of services offered at these libraries more accessible and diverse, helping to improve services in the future.

Implementation has also required substantial input from the Council's Legal and Property services, and support from Finance, Audit and Insurance. Introducing, supporting and developing the CPL model has involved all aspects of the Library Service and has led to a number of improvements. These include training and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 177