Plans to re-open libraries in Warrington

LiveWire unveils initial plans to allow reopening of selected Leisure and Library sites in Warrington.

The Libraries Partnership Board (LPB) has now been set up to ensure Warrington's library services are dynamic, comprehensive, universal and sustainable for all Warrington residents.

LPB responsibilities:

• Support the council to deliver a libraries service in compliance with the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964
• Develop, publish and agree with partners a new Library Strategy for Warrington
• Oversee the implementation of the Library Strategy and a programme of modernisation proposals as agreed by the council's Cabinet
• Ensure impact assessments for each of the modernisation proposals are robust, and that consultation and engagement processes are appropriately carried out
• Draw on national and international best practice to identify opportunities to sustain and enhance library services in Warrington
• Lead on seeking external funding opportunities to promote innovation and best practice

The board can make recommendations to the council's Cabinet, policy committees, and to the LiveWire Board.

Library Strategy 

In the first few months of 2019, we published our draft Library Strategy for 2019-22 and asked you what you thought about it. We’re now finalising the strategy based on what you told us, and we hope to publish the final Library Strategy 2019-22 in the summer.

Board members:

• Lynton Green (Chair) - Director of Corporate Services, Warrington Borough Council
• Eleanor Blackburn - Head of Strategic Partnerships and Commissioning, Warrington Borough Council
• Emma Hutchinson - Managing Director, LiveWire and Culture Warrington
• Cheryl Siddall - People, Performance and Resources Director, LiveWire
• Wendy Molyneux - Strategic Library Manager, LiveWire
• Amanda Juggins - Business Intelligence Manager, Warrington Borough Council
• Steve Cullen - Chief Officer, Warrington District Citizens Advice Bureau
• Peter Lewenz - SWISH
• Gary Borrows - Save Warrington Libraries
• Cllr Joan Grimes - Friends of Culcheth Library

Library meetings

Next Board Meeting cancelled

A decision has been made to cancel the next Library Partnership Board meeting scheduled for 14th September and instead circulate a mini report on the progress of the reopening of the libraries in relation to the current Covid19 situation (to follow).  As reported at the last meeting in July our priority currently is on the re-opening and recovery of libraries and re-establishing library building projects.  As you know the impact of Covid-19 has been and continues to be widespread.  Whilst we have made good progress, we do not feel we would be able to deliver a full and engaging meeting which fulfils the terms of reference of the Board, at this time. 

Be assured that the council continues to work extremely hard with its partners and the community to ensure that vital services continue to be delivered to those who need them.  

Please also see the link below to the UK government website which is being regularly updated with the latest advice and information regarding COVID19

The partnership board meetings are open to members of the public to attend which is on a first-come first-served basis. The capacity for this meeting is 20 guests. To book a place please email gdarcy@warrington.gov.uk. The board may consider a matter in private if is 'confidential and exempt information' as set out in the council’s constitution (Section E, Access to Information - Rule 8).

The board meets at least every two months, more often if needed.

Meeting minutes and agendas 

Libraries Partnership Board - Terms of Reference

Background

In 2016, LiveWire, the community interest company (CiC) that runs Warrington’s leisure, library and lifestyle services, consulted on how to modernise the library service.

In response, many people stressed how important the service is to them, and the good it does for our communities and cultural life.

This strength of feeling led to the set-up of a Libraries Working Group to consider residents’ feedback, review the needs of local people, and liaise with community groups.

The group made recommendations to keep all libraries open for the foreseeable future, which was approved by the council's Cabinet in December 2017. After this, the LPB was set up to deliver a new partnership strategy and establish a new set of performance measures.