New tier plan for organising Gedling borough library services approved

A new plan for how to run libraries in Gedling borough has been approved – despite concern some will only be open for 12 hours a week.

An updated Nottinghamshire library strategy, that will run from 2025 to 2035, was approved during a full council meeting on Thursday (December 5).

The council passed the running and operation of libraries to the organisation Inspire in 2016.

The organisation’s role is to maintain service levels while reducing the council’s costs, securing investment and improving facilities. Its contract will expire in 2026 with a proposed extension until 2028.

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While discussing the new strategy, Councillor Scott Carlton (Con), Portfolio holder for Communities and Public Health, clarified “this administration will not close libraries and I stand by that guarantee”.

The new plan maintains the split of libraries into three categories or ‘tiers’ in order to organise the network and give best value for money.

Tier one libraries will serve major towns and offer services for at least six days a week with paid staff.

Tier two libraries have paid staff, serve smaller towns and are open for at least four days a week while tier three libraries provide a core book loan service, are small and can be co-located in another building.

Over the past decade, the council has invested over £30 million into library buildings and technology to modernise and enhancing the services.

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The new strategy includes a 12-point action plan to enhance library services such as using technology, investment into buildings, and increased staff training.

Councillors voted unanimously to approve the updated library strategy.