A new operating model for Nottinghamshire libraries has been approved – despite concerns that some will only be open for 12 hours a week.
An updated Nottinghamshire library strategy, which will run from 2025 to 2035, was approved during a full council meeting on Thursday (5 December).
The council passed the running and operation of libraries to the organisation Inspire in 2016.
The organisation’s role is to maintain service levels while reducing the council’s costs, securing investment, and improving facilities. Its contract will expire in 2026, with a proposed extension until 2028.
While discussing the new strategy, Councillor Scott Carlton (Con), Portfolio Holder for Communities and Public Health, clarified: “This administration will not close libraries, and I stand by that guarantee.”
- Tier one libraries will serve major towns and offer services for at least six days a week with paid staff.
- Tier two libraries have paid staff, serve smaller towns, and are open for at least four days a week.
- Tier three libraries provide a core book loan service, are small, and can be co-located in another building.
Over the past decade, the council has invested over £30 million into library buildings and technology to modernise and enhance the services.
The new strategy includes a 12-point action plan to improve library services, such as using technology, investing in buildings, and increasing staff training.
Cllr Steve Carr (Ind) acknowledged a cross-party effort in retaining the library network during difficult circumstances – in contrast to Nottingham City Council, which is proposing to close some of its libraries to save money.
He said: “One of the reasons our libraries are in such a good place is because of the agreement across the floor here.”
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Councillor Tom Hollis (Ind) expressed his concern over the discrepancy in services offered by the different tiers.
He said: “There are 28 libraries as tier three libraries – including Huthwaite.
“Huthwaite opened its own Carnegie library in 1913… this library has served Huthwaite for 111 years but is now only open for 12 hours a week.
“My issue is with the tier system that’s been reinstated. Residents in Huthwaite will just have a third-tier service.
“Whilst keeping the library open is welcome, we can do so much more – what continuing a tiered service shows is this council has absolutely no intention of improving the services and opening hours in the second- and third-tier libraries.”
Cllr Penny Gowland (Lab) asked if the strategy could be amended to enable tier three libraries to engage more actively in public health messages.
She said: “The tier one and two libraries have an active role in public health; the tier three ones seem to have quite a passive role – I ask to try and make a more active engagement for public health in tier three libraries. It’s a key location where the council actually reaches the community.”
Cllr Helen-Ann Smith (Ind) asked if Cllr Carlton would consider changing Skegby Library from tier three to tier two and extending its hours.
She said: “A lot of our libraries, they’re not just libraries anymore; they are community hubs.
“Local community groups do a lot of work in the library in Skegby, like community food share. If it was open more hours, that would be [good] – libraries are a safe place for people to go.”
Cllr Carlton agreed to have a conversation regarding Cllr Smith’s requests.
Cllr Bruce Laughton (Con) said: “I’ve got three libraries. Every single one of those Parish Councils – the libraries have been under political attack, people saying they were going to close, sacking staff, and scaremongering – that is completely wrong.”
Cllr David Martin (Ind) responded to Cllr Laughton’s accusation using experiences from his own ward.
He said: “All of my libraries closed, they all got moved into different buildings, they all had employees, and now they’re all run by volunteers – it works, but don’t come out with [scaremongering].”
Councillors voted unanimously to approve the updated library strategy.
Facilities in Blidworth, Burton Joyce, Calverton, Carlton, Cotgrave, Eastwood, East Leake, Edwinstowe, Forest Town, Harworth and Bircotes, Keyworth, Kimberley, Mansfield Woodhouse, Mapperley, Ollerton, Radcliffe, Ravenshead, Ruddington, Stapleford, and Warsop would be designated as ‘community libraries’.
Library access points or mobile services would then operate in Annesley Woodhouse, Balderton, Balmoral, Bilsthorpe, Carlton Hill, Carlton-in-Lindrick, Clipstone, Collingham, Dukeries, Edgewood, Farnsfield, Gedling, Gotham, Huthwaite, Inham Nook, Jacksdale, Ladybrook, Langold, Lowdham, Misterton, Rainworth, Selston, Skegby, Sutton Bonington, Sutton-on-Trent, Toton, Tuxford, and Woodthorpe.
