Decision - Libraries Strategy 2022-25

RESOLVED:

That the Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture Committee:

1. Recommends to Full Council that it approves the Libraries Strategy 2022-25 set out in Appendix 1.

2. Approves the Libraries Stock Policy as set out at Appendix 2.

3. Notes the importance of public libraries to our City and the contribution they make to education, tackling loneliness and isolation and community cohesion.

4. Commits lifting barriers to access wherever possible, especially to those of low or no income.

Therefore, the Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture Committee requests a further libraries report come back to a future meeting of this committee to explore;

a)    A well-publicised two-week annual fee amnesty to maximise book return and encourage increased use.

b)    Ceasing with immediate effect all inter-library loan charges for under 18s, as these raise negligible funds but act as a barrier to borrowing and access.

c)    A review of all charges to under 18s with a view to ending these wherever possible.

d)    A review of options for providing library services to areas such as Kemp Town, Queens Park, Hanover, Hollingdean and others where provision has been lacking since the closure of the mobile library service.

That Full Council:

5. Approves the Libraries Strategy 2022-25 as set out at Appendix 1.

6. Notes the importance of public libraries to our City and the contribution they make to education, tackling loneliness and isolation and community cohesion.

7. Commits lifting barriers to access wherever possible, especially to those of low or no income.