Decision details

Cabinet received a report on a new vision and strategy for Buckinghamshire libraries.  Libraries had transformed over recent years to offer a range of services and activities that promote wellbeing, inclusion, and community cohesion.

The vision was for a service that provided welcoming and safe spaces for everyone to access reading, culture and the information and services they need to learn, discover, imagine, and thrive. The priorities for Buckinghamshire Libraries were:

·       Encouraging Culture, Reading and Learning.

·       Building Stronger Communities.

·       Enabling Access, Information, and Inclusion.

·       Promoting Health and Wellbeing.

The guiding principles for delivery were building partnerships; developing libraries as hubs; engaging and empowering staff and volunteers; and constant service improvement.

An extensive engagement exercise had been undertaken to inform the priorities and gauge the level of support for the proposed approach. This had demonstrated that 90% of respondents agreed with the vision, with approval ranging from 84% to 92% for the four priorities.  Work had taken place to develop short to medium term objectives to deliver the new vision and priorities, along with the associated measures of success.

The service would now engage with staff, volunteers, and partners to develop a detailed action plan to deliver a modern, relevant, and sustainable library service for Buckinghamshire. The action plan would be reviewed annually with particular attention given to ensuring alignment with the Opportunity Bucks - Succeeding for All programme including future discussion with ward partnerships.

RESOLVED –

That the Buckinghamshire Libraries Strategy be APPROVED, as set out in the report and appendix.