New library strategy set to be considered by committee

A Wirral Council committee is being asked to give the green light to a new strategy setting out the future direction of the borough’s library service.

At its meeting next week, the Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee will make a decision on whether to adopt the new ‘Libraries for All’ strategy, which aims – amongst other things - to strengthen libraries as community hubs.

‘Libraries For All’ is a five-year strategy that sets out the future direction of the library service across Wirral – how it will adapt and modernise to enable libraries to serve the changing needs of the community - while introducing a clear framework to monitor progress and measure success.

The strategy is going back to the Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee on Thursday 22 October for approval, following an extensive programme of consultation with residents, staff, partners and young people.

The strategy outlines how Wirral's libraries will continue to evolve as welcoming, inclusive and trusted community spaces that support reading, learning, digital inclusion, wellbeing, culture and access to information. 

It also strengthens the role of libraries as a key community front door, connecting residents with a wider range of Council and partner services.

At the heart of the strategy is a commitment to accountability and continuous improvement. Members are being asked to endorse a dedicated Performance Management Framework, which will be used to monitor delivery of the strategy and provide regular assurances that commitments are being achieved.

Under the proposed arrangements progress against the strategy will be measured and monitored through an agreed performance framework and delivery will be reported annually to elected members.

An annual performance and delivery plan will be developed to translate the strategy's commitments into measurable actions and outcomes. Library performance will continue to be scrutinised through annual performance reports.

A new set of Wirral Library Service Standards will also be developed to provide day-to-day accountability, setting clear expectations for customer experience, library environments and service quality.

The emphasis on performance management follows consultation findings which showed that while residents were broadly supportive of the strategy's ambitions, only 48% expressed confidence in its ability to deliver improvements. The Council says this risk will be addressed through transparent monitoring, regular reporting and clear measures of success.

Public consultation on the draft strategy took place between March 2 and April 13 2026 through the Council's Wirral Have Your Say platform and attracted 190 responses. 

In addition, around 30 pupils from Years 7 to 9 took part in a dedicated engagement session in June 2026. Feedback received during the consultation process has been used to refine the final strategy and shape specific commitments.

The strategy also supports the priorities emerging through the draft Wirral Plan 2027-2031 and aligns with the Council's proposed operating model, which places a strong emphasis on community hubs, locality working and easier access to services through a joined-up front door.

The vision set out within the strategy states:

"Wirral Libraries will be welcoming, inclusive and trusted spaces at the heart of our communities. They will be places of connection and creativity, with access to reading, digital resources, learning opportunities and trusted information. Our libraries will be the community's front door to the Council."

If approved, the strategy will guide the development of library services over the next five years, supported by annual delivery planning, performance reporting and service standards designed to ensure residents can see tangible progress against the commitments made.

The agenda for next week's meeting - with a link to the live stream on the night - can be found here