Andy McCartan, the Assistant Director for Leisure, Libraries and Customer Engagement introduced a report which included the draft library strategy and model.

The focus of the draft strategy had been to provide library services that addressed increased service take-up in areas of greatest need by providing attractive and relevant facilities and services, thus reducing inequalities around literacy, skills for work, digital inclusion, health and community cohesion. An effective library service had the capacity to support the delivery of every one of the council’s priorities for 2025. Work had been done to understand the needs of local communities so new services were co-designed with residents.

The strategy identified different types of library that served different purposes (central, community hub, community managed etc) along with outreach services (pop up libraries, home reader, virtual library).

Members expressed their wishes that community and friends groups be involved.

Resolved: that

(1)  the new draft Library Strategy and model outlined in this report be noted.

(2)  the Director of Neighbourhood Services be authorised to commence consultation on the proposals contained in the draft Library Strategy and model ,with residents, service users and stakeholders in order to design and deliver a modern and sustainable service that meets the needs of different communities across Wirral and report back to a future meeting of the Committee the outcome of that consultation.