Issue - meetings

          The Board received a report on the library service including: the relocation of Runcorn Library, acquisition of an electric vehicle and amendment to opening hours. In the accompanying presentation, it was highlighted that there had been an increase in footfall in its temporary location in Church Street. Doors were kept open which led to the increase of footfall and school events and coffee mornings were popular. The library will move permanently to the Brindley in 2026, and officers were keen to maintain this community engagement and utilise the existing Brindley audiences. Self-service technology will be at the new library, but staff will still be on site. The new library will have an outdoor reading space and larger space for events. Cafe facilities will be at the new site too.

          The library had a new electric van which will bring library books to schools, residents and care homes. A phased staggered approach was planned with the vehicle to reach areas which were least efficient for deliveries. The van was a delivery vehicle for library books, and these were delivered monthly. The van will also go to places with a high footfall. This service had received positive feedback and was free for residents; it was especially praised by more isolated residents. Promotional work for this was being done and this will be rolled out over the next 12 months. Residents who receive deliveries will not be counted as part of the footfall. If needed, library staff could refer residents to Council services.

          The Board noted that libraires in Halton were successful and would like to be given promotional material to promote them to residents. They also praised the library staff for their work in the community.

          In response to questions raised by the Board, the additional information was provided:

• In 2026, the library will exclusively use BorrowBox for users to access newspapers and magazines.
• When the Brindley is open, the library will still be accessible for those wanting to take a book out or return one.
• All four libraries in Halton were granted ‘sanctuary’ status.
• The Board would have liked the library trialled at the Brindley before it was agreed that it would permanently move there.
• Officers confirmed that it would be open to families on a Saturday.
• After a child has turned eight, they are less likely to go to the library.
• The new library service had ‘library reading time’ with some schools where the library van will bring in new books for a class to read. This was to improve child literacy.
• Halton adult learners who wrote books were in the libraries but there were a lot of self-published authors who wanted to have their books in libraries; therefore, these were part of an alternating stock.
• The survey showed that there was a low footfall after 6pm so this was why the libraries will close earlier during the week. Widnes Library was open until 6pm on Saturday.

          RESOLVED: That the report be noted.