Agenda item

(Pursuant to Library Sub-Committee held on 18.07.2025 minute nr. 13/25/26)

The Chairman thanked the Community Hub Team Leader for the report, which had been received and circulated within the reports pack, and invited comments on the officers recommendations.

The Town Clerk advised that the survey had generated a significant amount of valuable feedback. She noted that, following the recent refurbishment of the Library, many of the facilities requested by residents are now available, including an accessible public toilet and baby changing facilities. The Community Hub Team Leader will continue to develop and promote the events programme as part of the Town Council's ongoing operations.

The Chairman commented on the excellent feedback being received from Library visitors and thanked the Community Hub Team Leader and her team for their hard work and dedication. She highlighted the positive impact of the refurbishment and commended the team for working together so effectively to deliver an improved service for residents and visitors alike.

Members also considered and discussed the suggestion of introducing a meeting/study pod to provide a private, bookable space for library users. The Community Hub Team Leader advised that the mezzanine floor could potentially accommodate such a facility, but wouldn’t be accessible to everyone. However, she noted that use of the mezzanine floor as an informal study space has increased significantly, with visitors regularly utilising the area for quiet study and independent working.

The Chairman noted that the library already provides a number of quieter areas for those seeking spaces for study, reading or informal meetings. Members felt that the introduction of meeting pods or additional enclosed spaces could detract from the open and welcoming nature of the library and potentially create unnecessary clutter within the building. It was therefore considered that the existing layout currently provides an appropriate balance between open community space and quieter areas for individual use.

Members considered and discussed the suggestion of introducing ‘closed days’ for group activities. Members discussed whether this was a viable option at the present time due to the requirement for a caretaker to be in attendance and the additional cleaning resources that would be necessary.

Members also expressed concerns regarding the potential risk of damage to the library should groups be granted access without staff supervision. Given the significant investment made in refurbishing the library to its current high standard, Members agreed that it was important to ensure the building and its facilities were appropriately protected.

Following a unanimous vote it was proposed by Councillor B Samuels, seconded by Councillor Bullock and RESOLVED:

1.   To thank all those who took the time to complete the Library Survey;

2.   To note the results of the Library Survey and acknowledge that several of the identified improvements have already been delivered through the recent refurbishment. Members further noted that a number of operational matters were raised, which the Community Hub Team Leader will seek to progress where practicable;

3.   To note that, regrettably, there is insufficient space within the library to accommodate a dedicated meeting or study pod;

4.   To maintain the current library opening hours and not to extend the hire of library facilities on days when the library is closed to the public.