Agenda item

Verbal update and Q&A with Vincent Paliczka, Director of Environment, Culture and Communities.

Vincent Palizca presented a report on access to libraries in the Bracknell Forest which focused on access issues which had arisen from changes to the library service as part of the transformation review.

The review of the library service had identified a number of genuine efficiencies especially regarding how books were acquired and how they were moved around the borough. Service levels were maintained in libraries by volunteers who support staff to ensure residents got the service they wanted.

Further to this, efficiencies were identified by updating the IT systems with technology assisted opening. It was noted that this would allow residents to self issue books with an ‘E+ card’.

Feedback from an extensive consultation revealed that library opening hours were confusing to residents. However the new technology would allow the libraries to be opened for an extended period. This meant no members of staff would be present at certain times. It was noted that the anticipated extended opening hours would be 9.30am – 7.30pm with core serviced hours maintained.

It was noted that accessibility and safe routes of exit in case of fire in a library with no staffing was a concern. Modifications were currently being made so 7 of 9 libraries can be accessed more easily by wheelchair users including a new library in Harmanswater which will be fully accessible when complete.

Bracknell town centre library has caused some problems due to the design of three levels. Top level can only be accessed by lift and therefore can’t be accessed with technology assisted opening in case the lift failed. There are concerns about secondary routes of escape from the library.one idea was to train carers to use an evac chair but this was not allowed by insurers. There was be a possibly of building a raised platform and forming a new exit route. The future of Bracknell Library is uncertain in its current location but potentially looking to build on the whole site with a brand new library which might start in 2 years time.

Technology for assisted opening will start being installed in all libraries from March. Wheelchair users wouldn’t be able to use assisted opening due to fire exit issues only in Bracknell Library but also conscious of longer opening hours in Bracknell Library generally part from closure on Wednesday. However it was noted that there were alternative libraries in Bracknell which can be used.

Following question and discussion the following points were raised:

·         Books could no longer be donated directly to libraries as not all books were suitable and each library had a different selection policy. The storage in libraries has also been reduced to save money. Residents were encouraged to take any unwanted books to local charity shops

·         The thermostat could be adjusted so the heating would come on in the winter during extended opening hours

·         Forest Care would monitor the libraries during unstaffed hours and could visit the libraries if there were any issues.

·         Binfield would be the first library to have technology assisted opening in March 2018.

·         The Bracknell Town centre library was currently shut on Wednesdays to save around £20k however it was hoped with the impact of savings and technology assisted opening that it may open in future which would have less of an impact on residents.

·         Security was not considered an issue with technology assisted opening as residents would only be able to gain access by using an ‘E+ Card’ which would have all their personal details on including a picture.

It was confirmed that the proposed more limited accessibility options for Bracknell Library were acceptable considering the uncertainty of the library location in the short term. The group were happy that all options were being explored to improve accessibility.