Council considers 'tiered' library service

The plans, if approved, would see West Bridgford Library become one of 12 hub libraries

Nottinghamshire County Council is considering bringing in a "tiered service model" for its libraries.

In a new 10-year strategy, council bosses said they would allocate 12 sites in key population centres as "hub libraries" offering a wide-range of activities and services.

Smaller sites would be classed as community libraries, access points and mobile locations.

Scott Carlton, cabinet member for communities and public health, said: "The new strategy builds on the success of previous initiatives, reflecting the changing needs and expectations of library users while ensuring financial sustainability.”

The council said the new model would aim to "meet specific community needs".

The paper says book loans have remained "stable" since 2011 despite the "continued development of the digital world".

It adds libraries will increase its offer to provide IT skills and the ability for those who don't have access to the internet to use their services.

According to the report, in the Ashfield district, 27% of adults have no laptop, 12% have no internet access at home and 30% have no digital skills.

Tiered service model

Hub libraries

Arnold, Beeston, Bingham, Hucknall, Kirkby in Ashfield, Mansfield, Newark, Retford, Southwell, Sutton in Ashfield, West Bridgford and Worksop.

Community libraries

Blidworth, Burton Joyce, Calverton, Carlton, Cotgrave, Eastwood, East Leake, Edwinstowe, Forest Town, Harworth and Bircotes, Keyworth, Kimberley, Mansfield Woodhouse, Mapperley, Ollerton, Radcliffe, Ravenshead, Ruddington, Stapleford and Warsop.

Library access points/mobile locations

Annesley Woodhouse, Balderton, Balmoral, Bilsthorpe, Carlton Hill, Carlton in Lindrick, Clipstone, Collingham, Dukeries, Edgewood, Farnsfield, Gedling, Gotham, Huthwaite, Inham Nook, Jacksdale, Ladybrook, Langold, Lowdham, Misterton, Rainworth, Selston, Skegby, Sutton Bonington, Sutton on Trent, Toton, Tuxford and Woodthorpe.

Eastwood Library would be classed as a community library under the new model

Carlton added: "In our last strategy, the council made a commitment to maintain an extensive library network, invest to improve buildings and digital services, and continue to innovate the way we deliver our service.

"This new strategy builds on the success of the last, but also reflects the changing needs and expectations of library users and the need for the service to remain financially sustainable in a challenging economic context."

The council's consultation on the proposals ends on 13 November.