Issue - meetings

The Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Adults and Communities concerning the outcome of the Registration of Interest process for Ibstock Community Managed Library (CML) and associated consultation on alternative library provision in the event of the permanent closure of Ibstock CML.  A copy of the report, marked ‘Agenda Item 7’, is filed with these minutes.

Members noted that a petition titled “Save Ibstock Library” containing 129 signatures had been submitted to the Council.  A copy of the petition text and a summary of comments included were circulated at the meeting and are filed with these minutes.

Mrs Radford CC thanked the trustees and volunteers at Ibstock CML for their work over the past few years.  Other members agreed with Mrs Radford in reluctantly supporting the recommendations as no viable offer to run the Library had been received.

RESOLVED:

a)    That the petition received by the Council be noted;

b)    That the outcome of the Registration of Interest process for Ibstock CML and the associated consultation on alternative library provision be noted;

c)    That the closure of Ibstock CML be approved;

d)    That the Director of Adults and Communities, following consultation with the Cabinet Lead Member and the Local Member, be authorised to put in place the alternative library provision for Ibstock.

(KEY DECISION)

REASONS FOR DECISION:

The existing community management library group has ceased to operate, and the Registration of Interest process has not resulted in a viable new group being identified.

The Library temporarily closed at the end of March 2024, and it is desirable to put in place permanent alternative library provision as soon as possible.  The proposals consulted on can be put in place by June 2024 and do not require any additional financial resources.