Agenda item

The report of the Chief Officer Community Hubs, Welfare and Business Support provides an overview of the activity in Leeds Libraries during the past 18 months and outlines the key priorities for the service as part of our Service Recovery Strategy.

(Report attached)

The report of the Chief Officer Community Hubs, Welfare and Business Support provided the Inner East Community Committee with an overview of the activity of Leeds Libraries during the past 18 months and outlined key priorities for the service as part of the Service Recovery Strategy.

The following were in attendance for this item:

·  Andrea Ellison, Chief Librarian

·  Mark Kirkby, Senior Librarian

The Chief Librarian informed members that the report provided a city-wide overview on changes to the structure of the service and schemes / projects that have taken place during the pandemic such as digital services, as well as an update on the services key priorities over the coming months. Members were informed that a service update on a more local basis will be provided at the Inner East Community Committee next year.

The Community Committee were informed of the following points:

·  Education involvement. The Library Service is looking at revitalising the offer to schools, and the school programme will take shape over the next term with the focus being reading.

·  Digital exclusions and the offer for residents. A telephone service and communications channel were set up during the pandemic, to aid those requiring digital support and the focus moving forward looks at managing mental health, and how to keep children safe online. Members were also informed of an iPad lending scheme that will be rolled out centrally to enable the public to use for group learning, educational purposes and reading. It was noted that the library offered a variety of digital resources in the form of E Books, E Magazines and E newspapers. Members were also advised of the Niche Academy – a range of free online tutorials from setting up an email account or getting started with social media to help build skills using online resources.

·  The impact on the use of services as a result of the pandemic. It was confirmed that nationally the use of library services has been low. It was recognised that although libraries can offer many forms of digital access it does exclude those in the poorest areas of the city. Members were informed that the service aims to build confidence across communities for people to return to libraries and to re-introduce events over time, such as conversation tables and social activity groups.

The Community Committee recognised that the library service provided a valuable service to the Inner East providing a great space to meet people and to gain advice and knowledge in relation to digital information. It was also recognised that in an area where data poverty is a big issue it is a support service to residents.

It was noted that the library service can provide a variety of information for residents with staff who are knowledgeable and welcoming.

The Committee were advised that the library service also hold a number of antiquities which the library service wish to show. It is the proposal that these treasures be shown at events and venues so that residents can see them

It was suggested by the Community Committee that the service should work with the Community Champions to show the antiquities in the community environment.

The Chair thanked the officers for attending saying that she looked forward to receiving further reports and working with them in the future.

RESOLVED –

a) To note the contents of the report and verbal update, along with members comments.

b) To note the intention to receive an update on services within the Inner East Community Committee area, at a future meeting.