Issue - meetings

Recommendations

       i.         To progress the Mid Term Review of the Library Strategy to Full Council for publication on the North Yorkshire Council website

     ii.         To agree the wording for the National Year of Reading Pledge.

Considered – A report of the Corporate Director Community Development presenting the Mid-Term Review of the Library Strategy and seeking approval to progress it to Council for publication on the Council’s website.  Approval was also sought for actions to support the National Year of Reading.

The Executive Member for Culture, Arts and Housing, Councillor Simon Myers, referred to the mid-term review of the Library strategy and highlighted improved performance, increased usage and successful integration of libraries with wider council services. He proposed that the Council formally endorse the National Year of Reading pledge.

Members welcomed the positive progress of the Library Service when faced with funding and investment challenges.  The work of volunteers and mobile library services was welcomed, and the importance of literacy across all ages was emphasised.

Resolved

1)    That the Mid Term Review of the Library Strategy be progressed to Full Council for publication on the North Yorkshire Council website

2)    That the National Year of Reading Pledge be agreed as follows:

“That this Council declares its formal support for the National Year of Reading 2026 by:

a.      promoting the National Year of Reading activities and events through Council communications, both internally and externally.

b.     working with the Library Service, Children and Young People Services, the Adult Learning and Skills Service, local schools and partners, including the National Literacy Trust, the Reading Agency and Booktrust to increase engagement with target audiences.”

Reasons for recommendations

To ensure that there is an up-to-date version of the Library Strategy available on the Council website to share with internal and external partners and residents.

Alternative options considered

One option considered was to leave the current Library Strategy to run in its current form until the end of its term (2020-2030). However, this would mean the public document and wording on the website is out of date and does not reflect the current service.