Agenda item

Report HPR2020/045

The report set out the direction for post-COVID recovery outlined in the GLL recovery strategy. This was underpinned by the continued commitment

to the modernisation of the Library Service including the provision of increased resources and online services and renewed library buildings.

Following two periods of mandated closure due to COVID-19, GLL now wanted to restore opening hours to the pre-COVID total of 528.5 hours per week. GLL had put forward a proposal for a temporary variation of opening hours to the total of 528.5 hours which was deemed to better fit local need as part of recovery.

In regard to operational hours at Orpington Library, Councillor Botting reported that the Priory Reading Group met on Monday evenings from 18:30-19:30. The Group was concerned at the proposed closure time of 19:00 on which they had not been consulted. Half of the members were still in employment with a membership age ranging between 30-80 years. The Principal Client, Libraries reported that all reading groups had been able to meet on line since March 2020. The proposed closing time was for a temporary period and would be reviewed after six months.

Biggin Hill library was the only one open on Sunday mornings due to the fact that it was a shared facility. Sunday morning opening was trialled in Central Library a few years ago but footfall proved very low so it did not continue.

The Chairman was pleased to note that the use of libraries and the number of book borrowing had increased. Councillor Michael raised a concern around the proposed loss of 2½ operational hours per week at Beckenham Library as it was one of the largest libraries in the Borough. Ms Gediking (GLL) explained that the aim was to standardise the operating hours of all libraries.  Extra hours had been added to Penge Library to enable residents to pay their Council Tax. It therefore made sense to share operational hours between Penge and Beckenham.

Ms Gediking confirmed to Councillor King that the maintenance suggestions sent to the Portfolio Holder were feasible and welcomed.

It was also confirmed that now the Borough had entered into Tier 3 of lockdown, there would be no change to the service currently provided which included browsing, pc usage; book borrowing and issuing.

The Portfolio Holder congratulated GLL on the work undertaken to keep services operational.  He also reported that Bromley had been named the second best borough in London in regard to the number of books issued.

Ms Gediking reported that the temporary reduction in operational hours was introduced to enable management of staff and to provide cover during the Covid-19 crisis.

Councillor Stevens commended GLL for their creativity in handling the present situation. He asked what assistance was being given to people who were currently unemployed.  Mrs Edmonds (GLL) stated there was likely to be an increase in unemployed people post-Covid so the aim was to establish how libraries could provide support for those who were seeking work or wanting to enrol on training courses or upskill. Talks were being held with the British Library in relation to course availability and GLL were seeking partnership opportunities and making good use of the buildings available to them.

RESOLVED that:-

1)  the recovery strategy setting the direction for the provision of Library Services post COVID-19 including new library buildings be agreed; and

2)  the temporary opening hours proposal for all the 14 Libraries be agreed.