We have taken a significant amount of time, taking a careful and strategic overview of our library services. The review is not about buildings, more over what citizens expect from library services moving forward.

Since 1992, more than four out of every ten visitors (43%) have stopped going to Wakefield’s libraries. The average decline in visitors nationally is only 15%. This dramatic fall in visitor numbers shows that we are not providing the services that residents want.

In addition, people’s reading habits are changing. With new technology, more people are buying, reserving, and reading books online, which could be one of the reasons for the decrease in visitors to our libraries. Consultation with residents has also shown that there are issues with access to some of our libraries, and the quality of some of our buildings and books.

Stages One and Two

Stages One and Two of the Library Review have now been completed and have been heralded as examples of good practice by the government funded strategic body the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA).

Stage One involved an assessment of best practice throughout the country, an assessment of key performance information for all of Wakefield’s library facilities, a benchmarking exercise looking at Wakefield’s Library provision in relation to other authorities, and a broad stakeholder and public consultation focusing on what people thought of our current Library and Information services and what they wanted in the future.

Stage Two was a ‘Big Conversation’ exercise designed to capture levels of interest from groups and organisations in helping us to deliver Library and Information services in the future.

The findings from Stages One and Two have been used to inform a model of provision for Library and Information services which is outlined in the report to Cabinet. The report also recommends further public consultation to gather views on the proposed delivery model for Wakefield.

Report to Cabinet

The report on Wakefield’s Library and Information Service was considered by Cabinet on Tuesday 26th July. Cabinet gave permission to proceed with Stage 3 of the Library Review as outlined in section 6.1 of the report:

'Option 1 – Cabinet to agree to the progression of the libraries review to Stage 3 (public consultation) based upon the provision of a ‘hub library service’ and the creation of a fund to support alternative provision of ‘satellite services’.

View the Cabinet Report (pdf document)