Anthony Hopkins introduced the report and highlighted some of the key work streams for the service over the last year and achievements including:

·                    Increase in satisfaction identified through public library users survey and annual residents survey in the highest quartile;

·                     On going efficiencies made in the way that the service is delivered

·                    Updated technology resulting from a grant received from the GLA which would ensure faster wifi speeds in libraries;

·                    E-books and a library app now available;

·                     Further development of library sites;

·                     The schools libraries programme ensured every child in the borough is a member of a library;

·                     Expectations of the volunteer programme have been exceeded and there are now 533 volunteers in libraries;

·                     Heritage lottery funding secured of £8 million

Anthony Hopkins explained that  on going and future challenges would be:

• Delivery of future major projects;
• Meeting demand and ensuring that the library service is responsive and continues to deliver a high quality service;
• Income and reduced budgets.

Councillor Ross Garrod wished to express thanks to volunteers and library staff and asked what can be achieved with the service given the reduced budgets. Councillor Ross Garrod also noted that digital literacy was an issue for a number of residents and asked if demand for help from staff could be met in libraries. Councillor Ross Garrod asked if libraries signpost people with digital literacy requirements to community organisations that might support them to develop these skills.

Anthony Hopkins confirmed that this support was provided on site and one to one or group training also provided. The team are working with the Citizens Advice Bureau to ensure residents are appropriately signposted and are developing this further. Emphasis is also being placed on the universal offer and the role of volunteers is changing which means that there is work to be done to ensure staff and volunteers correctly signpost residents. A training programme on this and other skills required is to be delivered shortly.

Councillor Abigail Jones expressed her thanks to the department and congratulated them on the innovative and positive developments that had been made to the library service. Councillor Abigail Jones noted that e-books appeal to certain demographics and asked how the use of libraries was being encouraged amongst these groups.Anthony Hopkins explained that the library service run annual campaigns and work with local groups to promote the available resources in libraries, as well as through library ambassadors. The service has a finite budget for publicity and marketing but the council are working regionally and nationally with partners on this.

Councillor Imran Uddin asked about signposting residents to other organisations such as the mosque and to what extent the council works with these organisations.Anthony Hopkins explained to the Panel that the library service work with 48 organisations and signpost individuals to a range of services, including the mosque.

Councillor Nick Draper urged all councillors to promote the library service and to spread the good practice at Merton, particularly to celebrate the work of staff and volunteers, and would encourage councillors to become volunteers themselves in their local libraries. Councillor Nick Draper praised Anthony Hopkins and his team for their work.

Councillor Russell Makin passed on the Panels thanks to Anthony Hopkins.

RESOLVED:  Panel noted the report.