Kirklees Council approves plans to reshape library service for the future
Councillors have today (10 Sep) approved updated proposals for Kirklees Libraries as the council continues to re-shape the service for the future.
New operating model
A new, delivery model was presented to cabinet today where all libraries will remain as part of the statutory network but, potentially, with reduced staffing instead of no staff at all. Any community that wishes to continue talks to transfer to a community managed operating model would still be supported to do so.
Autumn consultation
A consultation process in the autumn will look at targeted reductions in paid staffing levels across all 24 libraries to meet the savings required for the 2025/26 budget. The outcome of the consultation will return to cabinet for final approval in 2025.
Original plans
Original proposals approved back in February 2024 gave the green light to explore the possibility of transferring some libraries into a community managed model or arrangement. Community Managed Libraries would no longer be part of the statutory library network in Kirklees and would also see reduced staff, or no staff support from the council. A series of conversations subsequently took place with volunteers, ‘Friends of’ library groups, parish and town councillors alongside other community partners to garner thoughts about the plans.
Our library buildings
Kirklees Libraries currently operates from 24 locations across the borough in buildings that are stand-alone libraries or buildings where they are co-located with other services such as Children’s Centres or a Post Office. Some libraries are in buildings that are owned by other organisations, often because of a community asset transfer. A range of volunteers, ‘Friends of’ and community groups support the running of libraries across Kirklees.
Councillor Amanda Pinnock, Cabinet Member for Education and Communities said:
“We have a brilliant library service that goes above and beyond to support our communities in Kirklees.
“I want to thank everyone who has already engaged with us about the future of our libraries. Whilst we have taken into consideration feedback from community stakeholders on our original proposals, we still have difficult decisions to make due to the tough financial circumstances that all councils are facing.
“It’s clear that communities and local organisations want to retain a level of council support for their library and our plans will make sure that happens. We will continue to engage with residents, local groups and volunteers and I hope people will take part in our upcoming consultation in the autumn.”
Support from Library Hubs
Cabinet also previously approved plans to integrate library and customer service functions which would enable residents to get support closer to home, in the right place at the right time. This has been completed at our Huddersfield and Dewsbury locations already. Implementation will continue across the remaining 8 locations.