Decision details

In 2014 a Library Policy Review Group consisting of four elected members was established to work with an officer project group to challenge the current static library delivery methodology, investigate potential options and recommend a way forward.  The findings of this group informed the proposal that was considered by Cabinet in December, together with a package of measures designed to reduce Council expenditure. 

The proposal for Library transformation included closing the Central Library and establishing four community hubs at Rogerstone, Bettws, Ringland and Carnegie, with co-located service points at Caerleon and Tredegar House. This proposal included closure of Maindee and Malpas libraries.

Closure of the central library also meant closing the museum and art gallery, as the full saving could only be realised if the full premises costs were saved.  The initial museum and art gallery saving proposal considered by Cabinet in December was also based on building closure.

Library provision is a statutory service and any decision to make a significant change to provision is subject to a period of public consultation.  Consequently a period of public consultation was entered into for all measures within the medium term financial plan, including the reconfiguration of library services.

The plans to close the central library and museum and art gallery led to a large number of representations against closure from groups and individuals.  Cabinet sought an alternative proposal, and new business plans were submitted for the transformation of library services and an alternative operating model for the museum and art gallery. 

The new business case set out an option for maintaining the central library building by closing the reference library and operating all library provision from the space currently occupied by the lending library.  The business case included a proposal for a shared museum and library reception point to remove duplication of staff functions within the building.

Maintaining the central library meant moving away from the original concept of having four community based services.  Therefore the amended proposal set out to: 

·         maintain Bettws, Ringland and Rogerstone libraries; 

·         provide co-located service points at Tredegar House and Caerleon. 

·         close Carnegie together with Maindee and Malpas libraries.

Discussions with Malpas residents and elected members have led to a proposal to retain a 20hr provision based on a community management group taking over responsibility for the building.  The new community management model would raise enough income from room and space hire to cover the operational costs of the building.

A second period of statutory public consultation was carried out. The Cabinet received full details of the outcome of that consultation process

The Cabinet thanked the Scrutiny Committee for the excellent work they had undertaken, recognising it had been an  in – depth study by the Committee

The administration had listened and had made changes to the original proposals based on the outcome of discussions and consultation.

The Hub model of provision would as best as possible meet the needs of the population of the city, bearing in the mind the financial position

Cabinet had taken account of the comments of the public during the consultation process

The Library service was valued and it was important to safeguard its future through this model

Decision:

To approve the proposal to transform the Library Service