Proposed new library operating model update

A report to the Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee meeting last night updated members on feedback from the recent public consultation on a proposed new operating model for Wirral libraries.

One of the recommendations of the report was for members to ‘approve the implementation of the new eight-site library model as detailed…’  This recommendation was not carried and members instead voted, in one of five resolutions, to refer the item to the Policy and Resources Committee ‘for consideration to ensure the provision of library services as a key component of the community hub model’.

Members also thanked the nearly 1,500 people who responded to the consultation for their feedback, as well as the campaigners and petitioners who had ‘galvanised their communities’ to take part.

The full resolution was as follows:-

That the Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee: 

• Noted the results of the consultation and thanked the 1,487 people who responded and those campaigners and petitioners who galvanised their communities to take part.
• Welcomed the evidence provided by the Literacy Trust on the need for libraries, located in communities and providing formal and informal opportunities for learning and personal development.
• Requested that officers continue to work with the Leasowe Play Youth & Community Association; the Little Centre and the Seacombe Family Hub with a view to partnering with the Libraries Service to ensure continuity of provision in those Wards.
• Refer the item to Policy & Resources Committee for consideration, to ensure the provision of Library Services as a key component of the community hub model
• Requested that the suggested improvements to the library service, as outlined in the consultation report, are considered by the Libraries Sub-Committee as part of the development of the next Library Strategy (2026-2031).