Library opening times review

Proposal

Introduction

Our Financial Strategy 2016/2017-2020/2021 identifies £585,000 savings to be made within the library service during 2016/17. During the previous two financial years, £599,000 savings have already been made through a range of efficiency savings and improved operating arrangements.

The proposed reduction in library opening hours are part of a wider review of library services that aims to create a sustainable business model. Elements of this include:

  • A proposed reduction in library opening hours to reflect changing patterns of library usage and the way that people are accessing library services.
  • Working with local community partners in the day to day provision of a full range of library services and, where appropriate, moving to new local management arrangements. Seven of our libraries have been transferred in this way so far and work is underway to transfer others.
  • The provision of a mobile library service that is affordable and meets local needs, particularly those of Shropshire's rural communities.
  • The development of online library services including access to e books, magazines and newspapers.
  • The provision of home library services for people unable to readily get out and about.

Recent county wide trends for static libraries are shown below:

Shropshire static libraries 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 % change over 5yrs % change from 14/15 to 15/16
Visits 1,358,493 1,303,234 1,245,224 1,038,883 1,001,593 -26% -4%
Active Borrowers 49,362 46,281 42,944 40,196 40,201 -19% 0%
Computer Time Used (mins) 6,238,920 5,824,934 6,026,964 5,504,397 4,773,696 -23% -13%
Total Loans 1,305,346 1,185,536 1,118,219 1,010,907 893,033 -32% -12%
Requests 86,018 85,598 78,655 78,909 71,702 -17% -9%

The overall decline in key measures reflects national trends.

Online developments mean that it is now easier to access a range of library services without actually visiting a library. This includes renewing and requesting items and accessing a selection of online resources, plus newer services such as e-books and e-magazines. While the use of these remote services is increasing, there has generally been a corresponding reduction in the number of physical visits to libraries and in the use of library computers.

The number of total loans will also have been affected by the wider availability of discounted paperbacks in supermarkets and from online retailers.

The proposed review of opening times reflect these shifts in library use.

Background to proposals to review library opening times

Changes to library opening times are being proposed for the following libraries:

  • Bayston Hill
  • Bridgnorth
  • Ellesmere
  • Gobowen
  • The Library at the Lantern
  • Ludlow
  • Market Drayton
  • Much Wenlock
  • Oswestry
  • Shrewsbury
  • Wem  
  • Whitchurch

These proposals do not affect libraries that have already transferred to alternative community management arrangements or are being directly supported by local town and parish councils and other funding.

The proposed changes have been informed by an analysis of visitor numbers in each library in order to identify the quietest periods. Specifically it is proposed to limit library opening times as follows:

  • Evenings - No libraries will open after 5pm except for some limited early evening access at Oswestry and Shrewsbury, the two largest libraries
  • Early mornings - No libraries will open before 9.30am
  • Saturday afternoons - With the exception of Shrewsbury, no libraries will open after 1pm on a Saturday afternoon
  • Sundays - No libraries will open on a Sunday; this only affects Shrewsbury

The proposed reductions are more in line with library usage and will provide a more consistent set of opening times across all the potentially affected libraries.

A detailed list of proposed reductions to library opening hours is referenced within this consultation.

Customer Service Point opening times are also likely to be affected by these proposals at Bridgnorth, Ludlow and Oswestry; a separate consultation on Customer Services opening times is planned.

Registrar opening times are unaffected by these proposals.

Statutory library responsibility

The Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 requires all first‐tier English local authorities to provide “comprehensive and efficient” public library services. The terms “comprehensive and efficient” are not defined within the Act; however, broadly speaking, the Act requires library authorities to provide people who live, work or study in their area with access to books and other printed materials in line with their needs and requirements. The Act specifies that no charges should be made for the use of these services, although here are exceptions for the notification of the availability of reserved items and library overdue charges. Charges for the hire of audio‐visual materials are also permitted.

So far as the proposals outlined within this consultation to reduce the opening hours within a number of libraries are concerned the Council would continue to meet its statutory duties. 

How to get involved

To take part please read through the proposals first then click on the "How to get involved" tab at the top of the page, where you can access our short online survey.

We welcome your comments.

Once the consultation has ended feedback will be collated before a recommendation is made to the Council's Cabinet. 

Supporting information

A range of detailed information is available to support this consultation:

  1. Frequently Asked Questions - provides background and context for the proposals outlined in the consultation - these are available below.
  2. Equality & Social Inclusion Impact Assessment (ESIIA) - we have a strong commitment to promoting equality, diversity and social inclusion and the potential impact of the preferred proposal on library users, particularly those who might be more impacted by any change.

Copies of the Consultation and Frequently Asked Questions are also available from individual libraries.

Current and proposed library opening hours

Bayston Hill Library

Proposed reduction in opening hours per week: 2.5 hours

Forecast library savings: £1,900 per annum

Day Current hours Proposed hours
Mon Closed Closed
Tues 10am - 7.30pm 10am - 5pm
Wed Closed Closed
Thurs 10am - 1pm and  2pm - 5pm 10am - 1pm and  2pm - 5pm
Fri 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 5pm 10am - 1pm and  2pm - 5pm
Sat 9.30am - 1pm 9.30am - 1pm
Total hours: 25 22.5

Bridgnorth Library

Proposed reduction in opening hours per week: 14.5 hours

Forecast library savings: £5,530 per annum

Customer Services opening times would also be likely to change in line with these proposals (opening from 9.30am on weekdays, closed on Thursdays).

The Registrar service will not be affected.

Day Current hours Proposed hours
Mon 9.30am - 7.30pm  9.30am - 5pm
Tues 9.30am - 5pm 9.30am - 5pm
Wed 9.30am - 5pm 9.30am - 5pm
Thurs 9.30am - 5pm Closed
Fri 9.30am - 5pm 9.30am - 5pm
Sat 9am - 5pm 9.30am - 1pm
Total hours: 48 33.5

Ellesmere Library

Proposed reduction in opening hours per week: 3 hours

Forecast library savings: £920 per annum

Note: Proposed library opening hours will be kept under review within the context of a procurement process currently underway for a new operator to manage services within the Meres Day Centre.

Day Current hours Proposed hours
Mon Closed Closed
Tues 10am - 6pm 10am - 5pm
Wed Closed Closed
Thurs Closed Closed
Fri 10am - 5pm 10am - 5pm
Sat 9.30am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm  9.30am - 1pm
  20.5 17.5

Gobowen Library

Proposed reduction in opening hours per week: 2 hours

Forecast library savings: £1,000 per annum

Day Current hours Proposed hours
Tues 10am -1pm and 2pm - 7pm  10am - 1pm and 2pm- 5pm 
Wed - staffed by Derwen College
(term time only)		 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 4pm
Thurs 10am- 1pm and 2pm - 5pm 10am- 1pm and 2pm - 5pm
Sat 10am - 1pm 10am - 1pm
  22 (17 Library staff) 20 (15 Library staff)

Library at the Lantern (Harlescott)

Proposed reduction in opening hours per week: 3 hours

Forecast library savings: £2,690 per annum

Day Current hours Proposed hours
Mon Closed Closed
Tues 10am - 6pm 10am - 5pm
Wed Closed Closed
Thurs 10am - 6pm 10am - 5pm
Fri 10am - 6pm 10am - 5pm
Sat 9.30am - 1pm 9.30am - 1pm
  27.5 24.5

Ludlow Library

Proposed reduction in opening hours per week: 7 hours

Forecast library savings: £4,800 per annum

Customer Services opening times would also be likely to change in line with these proposals (opening from 9.30am on weekdays, closed on Thursdays).

The Registrar service will not be affected.

Day Current hours Proposed hours
Mon 9.30am - 5pm 9.30am - 5pm
Tues 9.30am - 5pm 9.30am - 5pm
Wed 9.30am - 5pm  9.30am - 5pm
Thurs Closed Closed
Fri 9.30am - 7.30pm 9.30am - 5pm
Sat 9am - 5pm 9.30am - 1pm
  40.5 33.5

Market Drayton Library

Proposed reduction in opening hours per week: 6.5 hours

Forecast library savings: £6,320 per annum

Day Current hours Proposed hours
Mon 9.30am - 6pm 9.30am - 5pm
Tues 9.30am - 5pm 9.30am - 5pm
Wed 9.3am0 - 5pm 9.30am - 5pm
Thurs Closed Closed
Fri 9.30am - 6pm 9.30am - 5pm
Sat 9am - 5pm 9.30am - 1pm
  40 33.5

Much Wenlock Library

Proposed reduction in opening hours per week: 2 hours

Forecast library savings: £1,340 per annum

Day Current hours Proposed hours
Mon Closed Closed
Tues 9.30am - 1pm and  2pm - 6pm 9.30am - 1pm and  2pm - 5pm 
Wed Closed Closed
Thurs 9.30am - 1pm and  2pm - 6pm 9.30am - 1pm and  2pm - 5pm
Fri Closed Closed
Sat 9.30am - 1pm 9.30am - 1pm
  18.5 16.5

Oswestry Library

Proposed reduction in opening hours per week: 10 hours

Forecast library savings: £9,240 per annum

Customer Services opening times would also be likely to change in line with these proposals (opening from 9.30am on weekdays).

The Registrar service will not be affected.

Day Current hours Proposed hours
Mon 9am - 6pm 9.30am - 5pm
Tues 9am - 6pm 9.30am - 5pm
Wed 9am - 6pm 9.30am - 6pm
Thurs 9am - 6pm 9.30am - 5pm
Fri 9am - 6pm 9.30am - 6pm
Sat 9am - 5pm 9.30am - 1pm
  53 43

Shrewsbury Library

Proposed reduction in opening hours per week: 8.5 hours

Forecast library savings: £14,160 per annum

Day Current hours Proposed hours
Mon 9.30am - 5pm  9.30am - 5pm
Tues 9.30am - 8pm 9.30am - 6pm
Wed 9.30am - 5pm 9.30am - 5pm
Thurs 9.30am - 8pm 9.30am - 6pm
Fri 9.30am - 5pm 9.30am - 5pm
Sat 9am - 5pm 9.30am - 4pm
Sun 1pm - 4pm Closed
  54.5 46

Wem Library

Proposed reduction in opening hours per week: 5 hours

Forecast library savings: £5,990 per annum

Day Current hours Proposed hours
Tues 10am - 6pm 10am - 5pm
Thurs 10am - 6pm 10am - 5pm
Fri 2pm - 5pm 2pm - 5pm
Sat 9.30am - 4pm  9.30am - 1pm
  25.5 20.5

Whitchurch Library

Proposed reduction in opening hours per week: 4 hours

Forecast library savings: £1,500 per annum

Day Current hours Proposed hours
Mon 1.30pm - 5pm 9.30am - 5pm
Tues 9.30am - 7.30pm 9.30am - 5pm
Wed Closed Closed
Thurs 9.30am - 6pm 9.30am - 5pm
Fri 9.30am - 5pm 9.30am - 5pm
Sat 9am - 5pm 9.30am - 1pm
  37.5 33.5

Frequently asked questions - general

Why are you doing this?

The Shropshire library service has continually been at the forefront of change and innovation reflecting what is needed at a local level as well as having one eye on the future and the changing trends of our customers. This has ensured that the service has been one of the best performing library services in the region.

For a number of years the service has been able to maximise support through its volunteers and particularly through the home library service as well as broadening its breadth of offer providing such things as children's rhyme time, code club, job clubs and reading groups.

The current financial challenges facing Shropshire Council mean that it is necessary to redesign all services in order to provide greater value for money with the reducing resources available. Within 2016/17 the library service is required to make £585,000 savings. This has created the opportunity to further review how the library responds to changing trends and creates a sustainable business model for on-going service delivery. The proposed reduction in library opening hours are part of a wider review including:

  • Working with local community partners in the day to day provision of a full range of library services and, where appropriate, moving to new local management arrangements.
  • The provision of a mobile library service that is affordable and meets local needs, particularly those of Shropshire's rural communities.
  • The development of online library services including access to e books, magazines and newspapers.
  • The provision of home library services for people unable to readily get out and about.

What are the council's statutory duties to deliver library services?

Section 7 of the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 (“the PLMA”) states that the council, as a library authority, has a statutory duty (not a discretionary power) to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service for all persons wishing to make use of it.

The PLMA does not define what is meant by “comprehensive and efficient”. However it does provide that the library authority must make facilities for borrowing books and other materials available to people who live, or work, or are undergoing full-time education in Shropshire. It also provides that in fulfilling the duty to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service, it shall in particular have regard to the desirability of:

  • providing facilities for the borrowing of, and reference to, books and other printed matter, pictures, gramophone records, films and other materials in sufficient quantity and quality to meet the general requirements and any special requirement both of adults and children
  • encouraging adults and children to make full use of the library service, providing advice as to its use, and making available such bibliographical and other information as may be required
  • securing co-operation between the library authority and others exercising public functions within the county.

So far as the proposals outlined within this consultation to reduce the opening hours within a number of libraries are concerned the Council would continue to meet it statutory duties. 

Have you considered the implications for people with disabilities?

Shropshire Council has a strong commitment to working to promote equality, diversity and social inclusion and the potential impact of the preferred proposal on library users, particularly those who might be impacted by any change, is being assessed through the completion of an equality and social inclusion impact assessment. Following the outcomes of the public consultation this will be kept under review.

When will the proposed changes to the library opening times take place?

Final proposals will be subject to the outcomes of the public consultation and a Shropshire Council Cabinet decision. Any resultant changes are unlikely to be introduced before the autumn 2016

Frequently asked questions - opening times

How much money will this review of library opening times save?

These proposals would save approximately £55,000 per annum across the county. The savings would largely be made from staffing costs and building running costs.

Will library staff be losing their jobs?

The impact of these proposals on staff will be different at each library. Following a decision on opening times by Shropshire Council's Cabinet, a staff consultation process will take place before any changes are implemented.

Why haven't all the libraries been included in the opening times proposals?

Libraries that have transferred to alternative community management arrangements or are subject to external funding support have not been included in this consultation. The opening times at these libraries are subject to separate contracts and agreements for each location.

What if I can't get to my library during the new opening times?

It is possible to access a variety of library services online without the need to visit a library. Visit the library webpages for further details.

Will Customer Service Point opening hours be affected by proposed changes to the library opening hours?

Customer Service Point opening times are also likely to be affected by these proposals at Bridgnorth, Ludlow and Oswestry; a separate consultation on Customer Services opening times is planned.

Will the Registrar service be affected by proposed changes to the library opening hours?

Registrar opening times are unaffected by these proposals.

How to get involved

We welcome your comments on the proposals set out within this consultation, particularly where you may be negatively impacted and where you have alternative suggestions that both better meet the needs of library service users and enable the Council to make financial savings.

Use to green button below to access our short online survey to provide your comments.

Go to the survey »

Once the consultation has ended feedback will be collated before a recommendation is made to the Council's Cabinet.  

Outcome

Decision on the opening times review - taken from minutes of cabinet meeting 27 July 2016.

Lead Member - Councillor Stuart West, portfolio holder for leisure and culture

Decision: RESOLVED

i) That the recommendations be confirmed as set out within section 7.0 of this report to reduce library opening hours for Ludlow, Market Drayton, Oswestry, Shrewsbury, Whitchurch, Bayston Hill, Gobowen, Much Wenlock, the Lantern and Wem and delegates to the director of place and enterprise, in consultation with the portfolio holder for culture and leisure services all aspects of the detailed implementation of the proposals.

ii)    That the final recommendation to review library opening hours at Bridgnorth be delegated to the director of place and enterprise in consultation with the portfolio holder for leisure and culture following consideration of the outcomes of the pubic consultation on customer service provision.

More information...

Principal market town libraries:

Opening hours recommendations

Bridgnorth

Open 9.30 - 6.00 on Mondays instead of 9.30 - 7.30.

Open 9.30 - 3.00 on Saturdays instead of 9.30 - 5.00.

Reduction = 11.5 hours (subject to the outcomes of the public consultation on Customer Service Point opening hours)

Ludlow

Open 9.30 - 6.00 on Mondays instead of 9.30 - 5.00. 

Open 9.30 - 5.00 on Fridays instead of 9.30 - 7.30.

Open 9.30 - 1.00 on Saturdays instead of 9.00 - 5.00

Reduction = 6 hours

Market Drayton

Close at 5pm on Fridays instead of 6pm. Open 9.30 - 1.00 on Saturdays instead of 9.00 - 5.00.

Reduction = 5.5 hours

 

Oswestry

Open from 9.30 Mon - Sat instead of 9.00.

Open 9.30 - 4.00 on Saturdays instead of 9.00 - 5.00.

Close at 5.00 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday instead of 6pm

Reduction =  8 hours

Shrewsbury

Close at 7pm on Tuesdays instead of 8pm. Close at 5pm on Thursdays instead of 8pm.

Open 9.30 - 4.00 on Saturdays instead of 9.00 - 5.00.

Do not open on Sundays.

Reduction = 8.5 hours

Whitchurch

Open 9.30 - 5.00 on Mondays instead of 1.30 - 5.00.

Close at 6pm on Tuesdays instead of 7.30pm.

Close at 5pm on Thursdays instead of 6pm.

Open 9.30 - 1.00 on Saturdays instead of 9.00 - 5.00.

Reduction = 3 hours

Local market town libraries:

 

Bayston Hill

Close at 5pm on Tuesdays instead of 7.30pm. Reduction = 2.5 hours.

Ellesmere

No change to opening hours as a preferred bidder has recently been secured to deliver Library Services from the Meres Community Centre.

Gobowen

Close at 5pm on Tuesdays instead of 7pm.

Reduction = 2 hours

Much Wenlock

Close at 5pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays instead of 6pm.

Reduction = 2 hours

Shrewsbury, the Lantern

Close at 5pm instead of 6pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Reduction = 3 hours

Wem

Close at 5pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays instead of 6pm.

Open 9.30 - 1.00 on Saturdays instead of 9.30 - 4.00.

Reduction = 5 hours

In summary the proposed revised opening hours are equivalent to a total reduction of 57 hours across 11 libraries compared to the originally proposed reduction of 68 hours across 12 libraries. Generally the revised opening hours:

  • Retain a late evening opening where consultation feedback appears to justify it
  • Close at lunchtime on Saturdays where consultation feedback appears to justify it
  • Open from 9.30 am in the morning

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