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The ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ libraries consultation will be running from Thursday 4th April 2024 until Wednesday 17th July 2024. The review of our library ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ aims to achieve greater efficiency and value for money, and the continuing provision of a library service. While savings have been announced, final decisions have not been made on what the library service will look like in the future; the public consultation will help inform any next steps. 

We want to work with local people to find flexible and sustainable ways of providing library ´ºÓêÖ±²¥. The following information details the recommended options, a move away from our current 35 community libraries to a mixed delivery model of the following:

• BCC run ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Library hubs open 5 days per week providing library and early intervention and prevention ´ºÓêÖ±²¥
• BCC ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Library hubs open part time hours providing library and early intervention and prevention ´ºÓêÖ±²¥
• BCC staff co-located with partners/community groups providing library ´ºÓêÖ±²¥
• ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ groups running library ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ via ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ Asset Transfer
• Library of ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ 
• Expansion of mobile provision
• Prison Library
• Virtual (digital) Library
• Self Service
• Libraries at Home Service

Based on current information on community interest and co-location opportunities, we estimate a combination of the council run and community-led provision might secure circa 25 building-based library ´ºÓêÖ±²¥. This figure may change through the consultation as we gather more information.

Prior to taking part in the consultation, we highly encourage a review of the documents which have been produced, this includes the draft libraries strategy framework, a FAQ document and a consultation launch pack. This information, along can be found on the budget consultation webpage via the following link here: