Library Review Public Consultation Meeting June 2016
Bracknell Forest Libraries Review Arrival refreshments Welcome and introduction: Cllr Iain McCracken - Executive Member for Culture, Corporate Services and Public Protection Introduction and background: Vincent Paliczka - Director Environment, Culture & Communities Library Review Process Sue McKenzie, Activist Discussion Question & Answer session Next Steps Sue McKenzie, Activist
Introduction and background Vincent Paliczka Director of Environment, Culture and Communities
Financial context Expected maximum Government grant reduction of 40% for the next four years when announced in January 2016 Actual government grant reduction 80% over the next four years, frontloaded in the first two years. Need to save 24.5m over 4 years
The Transformation Programme Transformation Programme was established to significantly contribute to saving 24.5 million over the next four years in Autumn 2015 The Council is committed to reviewing all services over the next four years In 2016-17 we are conducting 8 strategic service reviews Financially driven reviews
Year One Service Reviews Library review Leisure services review Arts review Citizen and Customer Contact Early Intervention and Prevention Schools Support Services Income Generation Major Property Review
Supporting the programme Activist have been commissioned to deliver the library review in order to: Provide additional capacity needed to deliver the scale of work involved in delivering the review Provide robust challenge to the way the Council does things Expert advice, specialised skills and experience
Library running costs 2015/16 Branches Total Central Services total Service Total Salaries 785,328.12 324,136.18 1,109,464.30 Premises 188,541.14 50,754.81 239,295.95 Transport 7,434.22 9,313.62 16,747.84 Supplies and Services 8,992.74 77,573.14 86,565.88 Stock 0.00 319,970.06 319,970.06 Recharges from other depts 0.00 720,025.27 720,025.27 Gross expenditure 990,296.22 1,501,773.08 2,492,069.30 Income 64,323.13 5,385.18 69,708.31 Net expenditure 925,973.09 1,496,387.90 2,422,360.99
Library Issues and Visits Bracknell Library Issues 78742 Visits 63027 Ascot Library 27323 19765 Binfield Library 35137 26054 Birch Hill Library 39313 31582 Crowthorne Library 90748 64406 Great Hollands Library 25882 17010 Harmans Water Library 20470 11078 Sandhurst Library 74287 43004 Whitegrove Library 76375 52311 Home Library Service 12078 n/a Total 480355 328237
So what do we want from our libraries? Sue McKenzie Activist Group
Why are we doing the review? There is less money We want to provide a quality library service Libraries are changing and we want to learn from others Community needs are changing and we to make sure our library service is relevant to everyone
How does the review work? First stage - Analysis February to July 2016 Look at the current service, who uses it and what for Look at Bracknell Forest, the make up of its population and what their needs are Talk to library users, partners, staff and other authorities to get their views, examples and ideas Report our findings and thoughts Second stage Planning July to December 2016 Identify a range of possible options Look at the most cost effective ways to deliver the service Consult the public on those options Only then.decide on a way forward
Key Library information gathered Needs and Assets Population and demographic data Areas of specific need e.g. poverty, health, literacy Match against usage of libraries Identify any gaps are there people who would benefit from the library service who aren t currently using it? Baselining data Current service performance: usage, staffing, budgets, buildings Value for money analysis Compare with others
How we are getting your views and ideas Online survey (with paper copies as well) Gathering your comments on comments cards in libraries and with a dedicated email address; library.review@bracknell-forest.gov.uk Four public meetings across the borough Three market research groups run by an independent company Library staff workshops and survey Talking to schools, community organisations, the voluntary sector, parish councils
What happens to the information? All the survey results, public meeting notes, ideas and suggestions are brought together and used as evidence to form our ideas. Only then, when we have all the information we need on: What people want in Bracknell Forest Whether the service is reaching all communities What is possible within the financial boundaries What others have done will we be begin to develop a range of options
How libraries are changing Books and reading will always be important but these days its about much more Libraries around the country play a role in: Helping people learn new skills and find a job Improving health and wellbeing Enabling people to get online Bringing communities together Improving literacy and numeracy in children and adults
This has led to a whole range of partnerships with: Health professionals Charities The voluntary sector Job centres Colleges and schools
And different ways of delivering library services: In multi purpose buildings with other services: from health centres to post offices, gyms to arts venues In partnership with the voluntary sector, particularly with home visits In integrated library and adult learning services Rural libraries in pubs and community centres Book borrowing in youth and community venues with self service machines Automated borrowing, return and computer use out of hours
Charging and Income Core service lending of books, provision of information and space for study legally cannot be charged for. Ways to generate income or save money: Cafes Shops with stationery, cards, books etc. Charging for extra services Being commissioned to deliver services for others Sharing premises with other suitable services
So, at this stage, we would like to ask you two questions: What is most important to you about your library service? How do you think we can continue to provide a quality service when there is less money available? Generate more income? Share premises with others to reduce costs? Introduce self service technology? Are there things we should stop doing?