Issue - meetings

(a)       That the assessment of the feasibility of Community Asset Transfers for the libraries in Hope, Mynydd Isa and Saltney, in particular the formal consultation with communities be received, subject to:

(i)         the holding of a meeting with interested parties in Saltney within the next four weeks;

(ii)        the provision of the information requested on the operation of the Library Management System; how it currently relates to book stock and acquisitions and how it could be developed for the future;

(iii)       the increase in the ‘lent book stock’ to community operated libraries being set at 100 books

(b)       That the Committee’s views on the feasibility of Community Asset Transfers and alternative acceptable solutions for the three libraries is noted and referenced by the officers in further developing solutions. 

Councillor Chris Bithell introduced a report to provide feedback on the feasibility of community asset transfers for libraries in the areas of Hope, Mynydd Isa and Saltney. 

                        The report was about the second stage of the implementation of the Medium Term Libraries Plan agreed by Cabinet in March 2015 to ensure sustainable libraries infrastructure for the future based on a combination of hubs, mobile and housebound provision.  The new community library hub based in Deeside Leisure Centre was progressing and would be open by March 2016 and the transfer of Mancot Library was also moving forward.  The second stage was to consider the feasibility of the rural libraries and it was reported that positive interest in the transfer of Hope and Mynydd Isa library services had been expressed.  There had not been any interest from Saltney Community Council in progressing the CAT but both Ward Members had asked for an extension of time for consideration of a CAT.  Work was ongoing with the interested parties to support them through the process and Councillor Bithell gave thanks for the enthusiasm that had been shown by those involved in the establishment of a CAT for the Mancot Library and their determination that the service should continue.  It was anticipated that the completion of a CAT for the Hope and Mynydd Isa Libraries could be finalised during the original timeframe of April to June 2016. 

                        The Chief Officer spoke of the two options for a CAT based on Welsh Government guidance which was for the community to operate a book stock and IT equipment with no professional library input or the community buy back professional librarians and/or access to the library management system (LMS).  He explained that the mobile library service would continue to operate and another option for the renewal of books was the book collection service, for those unable to access a hub or mobile library service, which could hold 75 books and a community play group which could have 30 books.  The option of the community purchasing the LMS and the assistance of professional librarians was the most expensive at £15,000 to £30,000.  The Chief Officer provided details of the LMS and explained that it had to be operated by professional library staff because of data protection issues. 

Hope

Support had been expressed by Castell Alun High School to work with the community to enable the library to be open to the community during school hours.  It was also reported that the local Ward Member had asked for the retention of a professional library service.  Interest in a CAT had been expressed by ‘Friends of Hope Library Group’ and Hope Community Council.  During the formal consultation process, a request had been received that Flintshire County Council provide 108 hours of library service at Hope Library during the schools holidays.  The Chief Officer felt that the completion of a CAT was feasible and could be achieved in the timeframe of April to June 2016. 

Mynydd Isa

The Chief Officer explained  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41