Redcar and Cleveland Council's Cabinet have approved plans to protect and improve library services and create more community hubs at their meeting on Tuesday, September 28.
The proposals which are still subject to ongoing consultation with service users, stakeholders and Ward Councillors include:
- Ormesby Library to be renovated to create a modern, multi-use community hub including a café and lounge area, a central multi-purpose room for workshops and events for example music groups, a community room and the development of a secure external garden
- development of the first floor of the Laburnum Library building to create a community space which will increase the opportunity for more social activities and groups for local residents
- create a private room at Marske Library for local community groups for example knitters groups, to hire as well as being used by the Early Help team to promote literacy targets in children
- transfer of Dormanstown library into the larger Dormanstown Family Hub building which will combine these services into one property
- hot desking locations created for officers working remotely across the borough.
Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr Glyn Nightingale, said:
“The proposals agreed by Cabinet will help to protect and improve the services that our libraries have to offer.
“Locating additional services with libraries will help to create public facilities that have a wider range of uses. This will help us develop improved links with our communities and deliver better value for money for our residents."
Councillor Steve Kay, Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Welfare, added:
“The Council operates 13 Libraries across the borough offering a variety of services to residents ranging from borrowing books to applying for a concessionary bus pass.
“It is important that as a Council we explore the opportunity to provide additional services from our libraries which will not only improve what they have to offer but make them more sustainable in the future."
The Council will continue to engage with service users and key stakeholders while the plans are put in place.