Transforming libraries across the Wokingham Borough to meet the needs of the local community and to provide a service that is fit for the 21st century is a key priority for Wokingham Borough Council.

At a meeting next week (May 26), the council's executive will discuss how best to run its libraries in the future. The council’s decision-making executive will be asked to consider setting up a partnership with a private sector provider to help and enhance delivery of the council’s vision of a modern library service at the heart of a thriving community. If proposals are approved, Wokingham Borough Council will be one of the first councils in the country to outsource its library service to a private sector provider.

Cllr UllaKarin Clark, executive member for community development, said: "If agreed by the executive next week, this would see the council start the process for outsourcing the library service to a private sector organisation.  It is unusual to go down this route – and in fact we would be one of the first councils in the country to do this – but it is our way of securing the long-term future of, and investing in, the library service in the Wokingham Borough. We all know money is tight and we have to work more efficiently.  We are committed to providing the best possible service we can.  However, we need to transform the way we operate so that we can improve the high quality library service we offer to our communities rather than making service cutbacks.  It will also provide us with the opportunity to review the locations where our facilities are provided."

The national picture in recent years has been one of libraries in decline and closing due to advancements in media and technology, growing competition from the internet and other providers, and the rising expectations of library users.  Wokingham Borough libraries have responded proactively and innovatively to these changing circumstances, including the opening of a new library as part of a broader community centre in Finchampstead and by reducing the overall cost of running the service. 

As well as offering books, Wokingham Borough libraries also provide free access to internet, help with family history, a range of events for both adults and children, art displays, and a Learndirect centre – residents can even collect a replacement garden waste recycling bag! For those who are homebound, there is also a home library service.  All of these services have meant that the Wokingham Borough library service has been able to better withstand the challenges that many others around the country are facing.  Although there was a drop of almost seven per cent in physical visits to Wokingham Borough libraries in 2009/10 compared with the previous year, 2010/11 saw more people coming back through library doors again.

By seeking a partnership with the private sector, the council hopes to take advantage of private investment, particularly in the areas of modern technology and IT facilities, to continue the positive work already done.  Local residents have also indicated that they would welcome even more services being offered through their local library and the council intends to explore opportunities to expand what’s on offer in libraries with potential partners.  These improvements will ensure that libraries remain a vibrant hub within the community and serve as many local residents as possible.

If the proposals are approved, the council would look to choose a partner who would work well with the local community and businesses, and build on the knowledge and skills of the existing staff to ensure the service could meet the needs of its existing users, whilst also developing and modernising it to attract new users.  The next steps would see the council publish a notice in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) next month (June) to invite expressions of interest to work jointly with the council on this project.  The council would aim to award the contract to a suitable partner in March 2012, with the view to the contract starting in May 2012.

Richard Alexander, libraries and information manager, said: “This is an exciting time for us. We continually see news concerning library closures in the press and on TV, but it is a different story altogether here in Wokingham Borough. We are pleased the council’s decision-making executive will consider these proposals next week which would, we believe, help secure the continued future of the community's library service, and enable us to undertake improvements we would otherwise struggle to achieve."

Wendy Crosson-Smith, head of libraries and lifelong learning, said "We have been very encouraged by the impact of changes we have already made to the service with cafes and an increased programme of events.  If the proposals are approved, we look forward to many more initiatives planned through working with a private partner, including modernisation and using technology to give greater access to services."

For more information on the library service please visit their website page.