North East Lincolnshire Council Cabinet members have approved recommendations to retain Cleethorpes and Waltham Libraries in their existing locations and to explore initiatives to better utilise the available space.
They have also approved, in principle, the reopening of Grimsby Central Library building, subject to confirmation of the options and costs for refurbishment. These options will be subject to full and transparent engagement.
The recommendations on the future of Grimsby, Cleethorpes and Waltham Libraries are based on the public responses obtained during Phase Two of the Library and Archives Public Consultation, which closed in July, and which are also in line with recommendations from Full Council.
Full Council put forward the recommendations in August when a petition, supported by more than 4,700 residents was presented against the closure of library buildings. At that meeting, Council Leader Philip Jackson said: “We have listened.”
The full results of Phase Two of the Library and Archives Public Consultation were also presented to Cabinet. Councillors thanked everyone who took part in the survey, which they heard has provided a wealth of views and feedback collated across more than 1,400 respondents. The feedback will be very valuable in taking the library and archives service forward into the future. You can read the full report here: 8.-Library-and-Archives-Review-Phase-2.pdf
Members also approved the following recommendations:
- To establish a timeline for the presentation of the options and costs for refurbishment of Grimsby Central Library, and agreed that the anticipated timeline, that Cabinet can commit to with a degree of confidence, be shared with the members of the Economy, Culture and Tourism Scrutiny Panel.
- That the Economy, Culture and Tourism Scrutiny Panel receive the results of the initial Structural Survey of Grimsby Central Library, when made available to Cabinet.
- To refine the library service needs assessment, and develop the emerging library service strategy informed by the findings of the two phases of public consultation and engagement, and also the findings of the Library Services Select Committee.
Cllr Hayden Dawkins, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy, said: “As I have said before, I wish to make it very clear how, throughout the consultation on possible changes to the library service, it was always our intention to be open-minded and transparent in our drive to improve the services and ensure the libraries become vibrant and well-used community spaces for all ages.
“It has been made very clear that people want to ensure changes are made within the existing library buildings. This is about listening to the people and working with our communities to achieve positive change.”
Cllr Philip Jackson, Leader of the Council, said: “A select committee has been set up by Full Council to ensure that councillors from across the political spectrum have the opportunity to contribute to our future library strategy. A select committee also enables partners, community groups and other members of the public to contribute to the thinking. It’s important that we hear as many ideas as possible that will help to improve our library services and encourage more people to use libraries in the future.”
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