Upcoming Events :
Housing Seminar: Partnerships with the Public Sector – Avoiding the pitfalls
Thu 31 May 2012
Minerva House, 5 Montague Close, London, SE1 9BB
Details of Future Libraries Programme unveiled
Tue 17 Aug 2010
Ten areas across the UK are to trial different working models as part of the government's Future Libraries Programme.
The new initiative will see public libraries aiming to be run in a way that ensures they benefit the wider community while running in a cost-effective and efficient manner.
For example, libraries in Northumberland and Durham will offer a greater range of services, allowing people to use its IT facilities to make transactions and apply for jobs.
Meanwhile, libraries in Hereford and Shropshire are looking at adopting charitable trust status and being run by volunteers.
Ed Vaizey, the culture, communication and creative industries minister, said a strong library service can play a "key role" in the government's ambitions to build the Big Society.
He stated that libraries could become safe and inclusive spaces where people can access a range of community services.
Chris White of the Local Government Association added that the Future Libraries Programme will support and showcase "genuinely local ideas" about how libraries can be modernised and improved.
Joanna Bussell, a partner in Winckworth Sherwood’s Local Government Team, commented: "The government recognises that libraries are a vital community resource.
"However, libraries are under threat.
"As part of the Big Society agenda, the pilot scheme is a real opportunity to find a sustainable solution for libraries.
"The outsourcing of libraries services to a charitable trust has a number of significant and immediate advantages:
- Reduced operational costs.
- Tax reliefs
- Entrepreneurial approach
- Community led and focused
- Ability to attract grant funding
"WS are market leaders in advising local authorities and community groups on outsourcing community facilities including libraries to charitable trusts.
"We are currently advising three local authorities on transferring libraries to newly-established community trusts.
"This is a real opportunity to save libraries for the benefit of their local communities."
