Council gives update on plans for new library and information service in Northumberland

Earlier this year, Northumberland County Council launched a public consultation on its library services across the county.

A proposed new model, adapted from the original plans following consultation, was discussed by members of the community and place overview and scrutiny committee last week.

A key feature of the new model to be recommended to cabinet is blending customer contact with library provision – meaning there will be 21 locations across the county where people can physically access support and advice if they can't access digital solutions to their queries.

The proposals will include all ‘primary’ libraries to be staffed for 30 hours – at Amble, Bedlington, Haltwhistle, Ponteland, Prudhoe, Rothbury and Wooler.

“Hub libraries – the biggest and busiest in the county, would be staffed for 43 hours a week – at Alnwick, Ashington, Berwick, Blyth, Cramlington, Hexham, Morpeth and Prudhoe.

There will also be seven ‘secondary’ libraries staffed for 12 hours per week and eight Community Access Libraries run by volunteers.

New technology is also being pioneered, with self-service kiosks being introduced in some areas, with the first being planned for Wooler Library later this year.

The Home Library Service will still be available for the most vulnerable people and volunteers will continue to visit them at home and deliver books/services to their door.

The mobile library service, a lifeline in rural communities, will continue to visit 214 locations, but with revised timings and a wider offer for residents.

This new outreach service, linking the mobile library with home deliveries and a digital offer, will ensure people are connected into wider community activities with support through Thriving Together, the Council’s Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) coordination partner.

Council leader Glen Sanderson said: “This review of our library service has been one of the most comprehensive consultations this council has carried out and I want to thank everyone who took the time to have their say.

"The level of feedback shows how much our residents value our libraries and a huge amount of work has gone into ensuring that proposed changes are done for the right reasons and we end up with an improved service which blend technology solutions and the skills and experience of our own workforce, partnering with community organisations and volunteers.

Scrutiny committee chair, Cllr David Bawn, added: “We've listened carefully to what people value already and want to see going forward.

“The way people use libraries is very different now, but we are clear we want to retain the best bits of a traditional library service while ensuring we embrace modern technology and have a flexible offer which reflects how many people live their lives.”