PLANS to “transform” the library service in St Helens have been revealed – but the future of a number of sites is under serious threat.

The Labour-run council’s cabinet is set to approve the adoption of the borough’s library service strategy and the implementation of the delivery plan 2022-2027 at its meeting next Wednesday.

A report to members outlines how the council intends to “transform” the library service from an “outdated, traditional service” to a “modern, forward-thinking service” that contributes to the delivery of the borough’s priorities.

It sets out the intention to deliver services across the borough through a range of methods including direct provision, outreach and a “community managed offer”.

The current library service includes 13 libraries – although Billinge Library, on Main Street, is temporarily closed due to the condition of its roof and floor.

The service also comprises the borough archive and art collection, schools library service, home delivery library service and a 24/7 digital library service.

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Gamble building

The council says the findings of consultation and engagement exercises have been considered and are reflected in the final library strategy and delivery plan.

These include the relocation of St Helens Library to a refurbished Gamble Building, making it a “state-of-the-art cultural centre”.

Seven local hubs

The strategy also include plans to develop seven “modern and inspiring locality hubs with libraries at their heart”, grow the digital library service offer to be accessible 24/7, extend self-service technology and upgrade Wi-Fi and public access PCs.

Libraries at risk

However, the report confirms that the council proposes to reduce the number of library buildings to seven.

It states the council welcomes contact from any prospective partners to discuss support required to deliver a community managed library.

But should no community partners be “forthcoming” to support the delivery of community managed libraries, the council says “it may be necessary” to close the remaining buildings from October 31 2022.

In the event that no community partners come forward, the libraries proposed to close on that date are Billinge Library, Garswood Library, Parr Library, Peter Street Library, Rainford Library and Rainhill Library.

The current budget for the library service is £2.507 million.

The proposed delivery plan has been modelled and it is estimated that the revised costs will be £2.175 million.

In her report, the council’s director of communities Tanya Wilcock says this excludes any savings from business rates, repairs and maintenance and residual overheads as these will only be achieved once the asset strategy is put in place.

She adds: “The library services deliver significant social value; they reduce isolation and loneliness, develop literacy skills for children, young people and adults, improve wellbeing for parents of children and carers, and improve the mental health and social networks of library users.

“Most library buildings are over 50 years old and have poor energy efficiency.

“Over the life of the library strategy, the service will seek to either relocate to more energy efficient buildings or improve the efficiency of the current buildings.”