Decision due on libraries

On December 1, the council’s Executive will be asked to decide on the future of Lincolnshire’s library services.

In April, the authority had to begin a search for an external organisation to potentially deliver these services on its behalf, following an approach by GLL.

It received six applications, with GLL, Vision and Vivacity being shortlisted.

Now, having evaluated the organisations’ final bids, officers are recommending that library services be outsourced to GLL.

If the Executive decides to award a contract, GLL would begin delivering library services in April 2016, taking on the running of the county’s 15 major libraries, along with online services and specialist support for those unable to reach their nearest library for health reasons. GLL would also help support the library services delivered at around 30 community hubs that are being developed in partnership with local groups.

Coun Nick Worth, Executive Member for Libraries, said: “All the finalists submitted good bids, but officers believe our best option is to outsource our library services to GLL.

“We’ve worked hard to get the best possible deal, and are confident that GLL can provide both significant savings and improved performance.

“I’m sure the Executive will give this matter careful consideration, and take the decision that is in the best interests of taxpayers.

“In the meantime, we continue to work with local groups to get the new community hubs up and running.

“18 have already opened their doors to the public, with a further 16 on the way.

“I’m sure the end result of all this hard work will be a new-and-improved library service that not only provides better value for money, but is also better suited to the 21st century.”