Councillor Spriggs declared a personal interest in as a board member of Get It Loud In Libraries.

The Director of Neighbourhoods introduced this report which provided an update on the work undertaken to deliver a public and stakeholder wide consultation on the draft Library Strategy and proposed new library model. Consultations had already taken place with Government and staff and there was a proposed public consultation on the ‘have your say’ online platform for 6-8 weeks, with a stakeholder mapping exercise. There would be offline consultation methods too.

Members questioned issues with particular libraries and officers took comments away for consideration and response.

Resolved: That:

(1)  the action being undertaken to deliver the public consultation on the draft Library Strategy and proposed new model be noted and the proposed date of June 28 2021 for start of the public consultation be approved.

(2)  the proposed date for the Director to bring a report to Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee 17 November 2021 to present a Final Libraries Strategy with recommendations, and accompanying findings and outcomes of the public consultation be approved.