Libraries under new management

The management of the county’s 15 major libraries, including Sleaford, is transferring to Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL), a not-for-profit organisation delivering leisure, health and community services.

GLL will also handle the county’s online library services and specialist support for those unable to reach their nearest library because of, for instance, disability, age or ill-health.

Coun Nick Worth, Executive Member for Libraries, said: “It’s great to have GLL on board, and I’m confident that, together, we can both improve our library services and deliver significant savings.

“Nowadays, libraries are about much more than just books. We want to be sure our libraries stay at the heart of their community, and, to do that, they need to change with the times.

“So we’ll be working with GLL to make sure our libraries continue to provide the right range of services, the services people need, hopefully bringing a few new customers through the door in the process.”

Peter Bundey, Deputy Managing Director for GLL, said: “GLL is the UK’s largest leisure charitable social enterprise with extensive experience in providing high quality library services and boosting library visits and book loans.

“We are excited about managing libraries across Lincolnshire developing services to meet the interest and needs of local communities.

“These are exciting times, as we aim to increase library footfall and attract and welcome readers of all ages.”

In addition to running core library services, GLL will support a network of more than 30 community library hubs that have been developed by the council in partnership with local groups. As a result of this new approach, these sites are already open for an additional 131.5 hours each week (up from 479 to 610.5) – an increase of more than 27 per cent.

Coun Worth added: “We were always confident that this new model would not only provide better value for money, but could also increase access to services. But even so, I’ve been really impressed by what the groups have achieved in such a short space of time.”

Under the consumer facing brand Better, GLL operates more than 170 public sport and leisure centres and 28 libraries in partnership with more than 30 local councils, public agencies and sporting organisations.

GLL invests all profits back into providing quality community leisure and fitness facilities for the good of the communities.