An update on how the library service has been working since the revised operating model, will be going to Cabinet on 17 July.
Slough libraries began working to a new schedule of opening hours on 1 April, as part of the council’s 2023-24 savings plan. The agreement was to bring a progress report back to Cabinet.
The report shows the new opening times have been successful and the libraries have all opened at the times scheduled. This is largely due to staff working flexibly across all sites and some staff moving between sites each day.
Since the changes, library staff have continued to operate events such as Duplo play, and Story and Music time. They have also run Coronation events and an author event, supported by external grants.
The monthly target for visits to library buildings is 33,558. In April the actual number was 24,633 and it was 29,432 in May.
The targets for self-serve and online issues, and the number of electronic resources issued online, are being continually met.
The new monthly target for library members in 2023/24 is 406. April saw 531 new members, with 499 joining in May.
Library services run throughout the week at all four sites - The Curve, Langley Library, Cippenham Library and the Britwell Hub, with two libraries open each Saturday.
Councillor Chandra Muvvala, Lead Member for Public Protection, Customer Service, IT and Young Futures, said: “The initial consultation in 2022, into what residents wanted from their library service, really showed they value our libraries. It also showed 80 per cent of library transactions took place through the self-service kiosks.
“The way residents have adapted to the slightly reduced opening hours and self-service model is fantastic. There is so much they are able to do online as well, like renewing books and accessing e-magazines, eBooks and eAudiobooks.
“I’m pleased to see the service is still thriving and hope even more residents become library members – it’s free and really easy to sign up.”
There has been a marked increase in the number of page views on library webpages, including a 414 per cent increase in visitors to the library homepage, when comparing May 2022 to May 2023.
In February and March, a new volunteer recruitment campaign took place, and five new volunteers were recruited in April offering digital inclusion support to residents at all library sites.
Volunteer recruitment is ongoing. Currently, there is an opportunity for young people aged 14 and above to volunteer and help with the Summer Reading Challenge, which encourages children aged 4-11 to read more and earn challenge rewards.
Become a library member, or find out more about the online offer.
Find out about volunteer opportunities, or email Libraries.CultureVolunteering@slough.gov.uk
Cabinet will be held at 6.30pm on Monday 17 July. The papers are available online.