Issue - meetings

Consideration has been given to the implementation of the library service review, which follows an extensive public consultation.

The alternative options to that being recommended, but which were discounted included the following:

Option 1 – the library network would consist of:

Gateshead Central Library

Area Libraries: Blaydon, Birtley, Leam Lane and Whickham

Local Libraries – Chopwell, Wrekenton

Readers at Home Service – a borough wide service commissioned through RVS for Gateshead residents unable to access a local library.

New Mobile library – providing a range of library activities and interventions targeted at priority groups and communities.

                  Online services – a range of online services including the lending of      e-                  books

This would include a plan for the development of volunteer managed libraries at Crawcrook, Felling, Pelaw and Rowlands Gill libraries. In addition the mobile library would stop operating as it does at present.

Option 3 – the network would consist of:
                  Gateshead Central Library

Area Libraries: Blaydon, Birtley, Leam Lane

Local Libraries – Chopwell, Pelaw, Rowlands Gill and Wrekenton 

Readers at Home Service – a borough wide service commissioned through RVS for Gateshead residents unable to access a local library.

New Mobile library – providing a range of library activities and interventions targeted at priority groups and communities.

                  Online services – a range of online services including the lending of      e-                  books

This would include a plan for the development of volunteer managed libraries at Crawcrook, Felling, and Whickham libraries. In addition the mobile library would stop operating as it does at present.

This is a new hybrid Option that was developed following public consultation.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That implementation of Option 2 as described below, which will result in a statutory network of eight Council operated libraries be approved:

Option 2 – the network to consist of:

Gateshead Central Library

Area Libraries: Blaydon, Birtley, Leam Lane

Local Libraries – Chopwell, Crawcrook, Pelaw and Wrekenton

Readers at Home Service – a borough wide service commissioned through RVS for Gateshead residents unable to access a local library.

New Mobile library – providing a range of library activities and interventions targeted at priority groups and communities.

                  Online services – a range of online services                   including the lending of e-books

(ii)

That the development of volunteer managed libraries at Felling, Rowlands Gill and Whickham libraries be supported and a further report on this matter be submitted if the transfer to volunteer operation is not viable.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To ensure a sustainable library service in Gateshead.

(B)

To deliver the Council’s agreed vision for the library service.