The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Finance presented a strategy for libraries in Wirral, “Wirral Libraries, A New Chapter”, which had been formulated to provide a base for the many changes and challenges the Library Service was facing both locally and nationally. He indicated that libraries were a key community asset and the strategy would be subject to regular review and would allow people to better understand the work and vision of the Library Service in Wirral.

Consultation had been undertaken as part of the review in April 2011 by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) and there would be ongoing customer/service user consultations. The Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Leisure commented that a number of libraries already had Friends and Users groups which would continue to be a local focus for consultation. She also thanked the staff from the libraries service and One Stop Shops for the provision of an improved service to Wirral residents.

On a motion by Councillor Meaden, seconded by Councillor P Davies, it was –

Resolved –

(1)  That Cabinet welcomes and agrees the Libraries Strategy for Wirral.

(2)  That Cabinet recognises the potential for improved services to the public, which will follow from the provision of an integrated service with the One Stop Shops, with a single management structure and one section head.

(3)  That Cabinet welcomes the fact that this means that, when the restructuring is completed, libraries will stay open at lunch time and will also be open on Wednesdays.