Agenda item

Reopening of Libraries

Minutes:

Documents Considered:

·                     Report of the Portfolio Holder for Young People and Culture.

·                     Message to Members regarding the Call and Collect Library Service.

 

Issues Discussed:

·                     Following the Welsh Government announcement regarding the reopening of libraries, there is a three phased approach. Phase 1 is looking at volunteer and current networks and offering a service to the public rather than reopening of libraries.

·                     There has been a digital offer during the pandemic.

 

·                     Questions:

What is the timescale for the provision of the new service and there has been no contact with volunteers to date in Newtown and also PAVO stating on facebook that they would be delivering books. Can this be clarified please.

There are different voluntary sectors involved. The service will go live on Monday 22nd June. Testing of the system is currently underway with the first deliveries the following week. There are areas where the Council needs more volunteers such as in rural areas.

Will the library service be in touch with the voluntary team in Newtown.

Yes.

In terms of gaps in volunteer provision, where are these gaps and how can people come forward to assist.

There is good coverage in the larger towns, but mainly the issue is in the more remote rural areas. Other avenues are being considered such as the community shop in Llanbadarn Fynydd, young farmers, and finding solutions which will work for those more rural communities. Local County Councillors will be approached to help identify other volunteers who could assist the Council.

How will the books be cleaned after they have been distributed, and how will customers be protected.

Main concern has been keeping staff, volunteers and recipients of books safe. There are health and safety guidelines in place, with stipulations about handling books and a 72 hour quarantine before books are delivered, guidelines to customers to leave books for a further 72 hours before opening the package and about washing their hands having read the books. Gloves and hand sanitiser is being provided for volunteers. Books being returned will be quarantined before being checked back in by library staff.

Cardboard is 48 hours but plastic covers can retain the virus for several days.

The guidance from Public Health Wales is 72 hours for plastic jackets.

Resource implications, many staff have been redeployed. Where have they been redeployed to, what will be the criteria for bringing these staff back. Has any funding been provided to assist the service.

Library staff have been redeployed into other services and commended on their contributions. They have been working with Adult Services, PAVO, the Assist Team and welfare calls and contact tracing. The Service is short staffed for Phase 1 but some staff brought back in. A telephone help line has been set up for the call and collect service as well.

Welsh Government has been supportive of Council and some funding (£5000) has been provided for the costs of the equipment for the call and collect scheme. However, the greater cost will be later when buildings reopen and there will be a need for plastic screens for receptions and between computers in libraries. It has been indicated that additional funding will be available form Welsh Government for that provision. £150,000 has been provided by Welsh Government for e-books in Wales.

For Powys in the last month borrow books up 95%, e-book loans up 167%, e-audio downloads up 111%.

Are there any projections of costs for the Council in moving through the three phases.

The main cost will be around screening to keep staff and customers staff. Some computers for customers will have to be taken out of service temporarily, to maintain social distancing. The costs for screens could be between £10,000 and £15,000.

Are phases 1 to 4 directed by Welsh Government or is there some discretion for Services. What is meant in phase 4.

No timeframes have been included for the phases as the situation can change. The wording of phase 4 is to show how important libraries are to communities, which has been demonstrated during the pandemic but the Council needs to be more creative as to how it connects with the public in moving the service forward.

 

Outcomes:

Action

Action By / Completion Date

Costs for libraries due to Covid-19 to be provided to the Committee and whether this is reclaimed by the Council

KT

 

Supporting documents: