Decision details

The Assistant Director, Community Services gave a presentation relating to Central Library Proposals.

It was reported that following the decision to keep the main library at Crown Street, and the agreement to invest £2 million in improvements and repairs, a conversation to seek the views of residents had been undertaken and was set to conclude on 15 March 2019.

It was reported that feedback received to date from both the website and various conversation events in respect of services and the building/accessibility had indicated the need for a refurbishment that was sympathetic to the heritage of the Grade II listed building, identified the need for some level of refreshment, expansion of the services of the library including greater activities and events; and that there was a level of conflict in the feedback that required a balanced response.

Members were informed that the feedback from the conversation would be collated along with feedback from the previous consultations, to inform the future Library Plan; and that following approval of this plan the estimated opening date was early 2021.

It was reported that discussions were underway to review the usage of the space at the Dolphin Centre which had been earmarked for the library.

A Member in attendance at the meeting voiced their concern in respect of the absence of consultation to reinstate the mobile library for those members of the public that resided in rural areas; and suggested that the mobile library be reinstated.

Discussion ensued regarding the benefits of Cockerton Library and it was noted that Cockerton Library was used by members of the public from all areas of the town, including rural areas; Members were assured that the home service had been extended to reach residents unable to travel to the library; that no feedback had been received via the library conversations to date in respect of the mobile library. It was suggested that one drawback of Cockerton Library was that it lacked public toilet facilities which constrained the type of events that could be held there and it was requested that this point be included in the conversation feedback.

RESOLVED – That the thanks of this Scrutiny Committee be extended to the Assistant Director, Community Services for his informative and interesting presentation.