Agenda item - Library Services in Brighton & Hove

Discussion with Head of Library Service

48.1 Chair of Economic Development and Culture Committee, Councillor Bowden, outlined the Libraries Service. The Head of Libraries had given her apologies and would be asked to provide written information instead (ACTION MvB).

48.2 Councillor Geoffrey Bowden pointed out that unlike many local authorities, Brighton & Hove had been able to keep open all public libraries; this had not been easy. The Council was considering various ways of retaining all 14 libraries when there was continuing squeeze on budgets and other priorities such as education and care services. They were important ‘hubs’ - access points for communities, fulfilling key social needs such as access to the internet for people without computers, information  for those looking for work and homework clubs etc. The Jubilee Library was a prime example of a successful library venue for community events.

48.3 Other issues for 2012 – 2013 budget setting decisions had included: the talking book service; (the Council was in discussion with RNIB ) and the mobile library (a budget shortfall meant that the running costs of a new mobile library now could not be found; there had been no interest from third parties)

Councillor Bowden was looking to promote the use of the Council’s Library home delivery service. The Council had an active Volunteer Strategy. Volunteers were ‘pivotal’ to this service,  that offered sometimes essential contact for those including the isolated elderly. The service would be added to the OPC website. (ACTION MB)

48.4 The new library in Woodingdean would be some 2 ½ times larger than the existing building that had been ‘temporary for many years. The new Library for Brighton University in Circus Street was planned  be accessible to the public as well as students. Proposals included dance rehearsal space.

48.5 The new Keep research and local history facility at Woollards Field was due for completion in May 2013 ready for public opening in October. The Keep would bring together archives from East Sussex County Council, Brighton University and the History Centre.  A presentation to OPC was scheduled for 21 August but potentially, a site visit could be arranged instead on this date. The OPC welcomed this if practicable. (ACTION MvB/Cllr GB)

48.6 Answering questions, in particular about those wishing to research local history but unable to travel far, Councillor Bowden said the digitisation programme would enable resources to be accessed via other library services. In the case of duplicate items, one would be kept at Jubilee Library, the other at the Keep. Transport including bus services, and other access issues were being actively considered.

48.7 Use of the existing History room at Brighton Museum would be consulted on; there were many items currently in store that could use new display space.

48.9 There was a comment that the Willett Collection was in need of restoration and members asked for more information. (ACTION MvB)

48.10 Asked about plans for Hove Library and Museum and the film archives in particular also any perceptible trends in library usage eg in relation to the economy; the officers would be asked to provide written information. (ACTION MvB)

48.11 Free wi-fi available at all public libraries had been delayed until October because the Olympics were at present taking up providers’ time. Free wi-fi  at The Keep was questioned.

48.12 OPC said some people with impaired mobility could not easily access Jubilee Library by bus and discussed whether community transport or smaller buses could have a role.