Next phase of public consultation on Library and Archives Review gets underway

The second phase of public consultation on North East Lincolnshire Council’s Library and Archive Review begins today (April 16), and will last for 12 weeks.

The Phase One consultation focused on building a better understanding of what our communities see as important, how people use library and archives services, and their views on future opportunities.

Its findings showed that the libraries and archives service, including the home and online library functions, are important for many residents, with access to traditional uses, such as borrowing books, valued. You can read the full results here:  9.-Library-and-Archives-Review-Phase-1-Cabinet-Report.pdf

The principle of developing library hubs – bringing together services to create vibrant and diverse spaces with something for everyone - was also broadly supported in the Phase One consultation.

As a result, people are now being asked for their views on options, all at an early stage, to develop the library service alongside other services in Grimsby and Cleethorpes to include community spaces where all ages feel welcome.

Meanwhile in Waltham, the option of a community library model is being explored. This would ensure continued access to valued services, such as borrowing books alongside other community uses.

Future proposed changes would be subject to viable business cases and the Council’s decision-making process. 

The Phase Two consultation does not include Immingham Library as no change to the current location is being considered.  The home library and online library service will also remain unchanged.

This latest consultation has no bearing on, or relevance to, the current temporary closure of the Grimsby Central Library building. As reported, it has closed following a water leak, which risked disturbing asbestos present in the building. Books and local history collections are now being removed for safe keeping as work continues to plan asbestos removal.

Cllr Hayden Dawkins, North East Lincolnshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture, Heritage and the Visitor Economy, said: “Our vision is to create libraries that appeal to all ages and offer something for everyone. Looking at other services around the country we can see that bringing services together and creating community hubs has worked well. Immingham is an example of that located in the town’s Civic Centre.

“I urge all residents to take part in this second phase of consultation so we can properly progress a vision for our Libraries and Archives Service. We will also be holding focus groups and community engagement events, to capture as full a picture as possible.”

Cllr Dawkins added: “I wish to make it clear that no decisions have been made on the future of the service. That will only take place after a full analysis of the Phase Two consultation results and further discussions. There is one main aim here and that is to ensure a full, vibrant and growing service going forward, that is future-proofed and that everyone can enjoy.”

Looking at best practice, the Council has launched the review because:

• There has been a decline in library visits from annual pre-Covid figures of approx. 43 per cent;

• The economic and social advantages of bringing services together under one roof, while considering how future building design and layout can support services to keep their identity;

• Recognition that current library buildings will require significant future investment to develop vibrant spaces that better align libraries to meet community needs.  

Considering the Phase One findings, alongside Council priorities of stronger economy and stronger communities, and trends in library usage, a focus on children and young people is a clear priority, while continuing to build on the service’s strong connection with the older community.

To access the survey go to  Have your say | NELC  The closing date for the consultation is Wednesday 9 July.