All four Slough libraries are proposed to be kept open following extensive consultation on the library service.

The results of the public consultation on library services, where residents showed their love for libraries, will form part of a discussion on the future library service model at the Cabinet meeting on 19 May.

Cabinet is considering the options to continue with the current model of running library services from The Curve, Britwell Library, Langley Library and Cippenham Library, but commit to explore how the service is delivered in Cippenham and consider if it stays in the current building or moves to a family hub model.

Councillor Puja Bedi, lead member for education and children’s services, said: “The consultation was undertaken because there was a concern the library service was not fit for purpose and this needed to be reviewed.

“We had such a huge response to the consultation and thank residents for giving us their feedback and for sharing their passion for libraries and communities.

“We have listened to residents’ views and will not be closing any libraries. It is noteworthy that there has been a recent upswing in demand for library services, particularly in Langley, and what residents really want is certainty and consistency. We have already started scoping ideas to keep the four libraries open, such as a family or community hub model.

“We absolutely recognise that libraries are used for more than just borrowing books. Feedback showed people appreciate them as a resource for children and young people and for development of literacy and other skills. They like to meet socially, attend activities, study, use the computers and get digital support.

“We have heard from Cippenham residents that they value the community aspect of having the library building, but they want the option of accessing a wider range of services locally. The current building needs a lot of maintenance work on the roof and wiring, and we need to see if it is still the best building to use.

“We want to explore a model which offers more services in one place, such as health and family learning, and with community and voluntary sector support. This may involve making changes to the current building or using an alternative building and this needs to be explored more. Cippenham Library will remain in its current building unless an alternative is in place.”

The consultation was open for 10 weeks between 17 December and 25 February. There were 1,150 responses to our online survey, 142 residents attended the eight face to face and two online events, 160 comments and feedback were sent to a dedicated email address and consultation information was shared with more than 150 internal and external contacts.

More than 50% of the residents who responded to the survey had a Langley postcode, with 16.5% from Cippenham.

Of the consultation responses, 86% said it would have a negative impact and make it harder for them to access a library service if any were closed. 63% said they walk to their local library.

The most popular reason for visiting a library is still to borrow books (78.17%) but attending events and activities (37.74%), to use computers (29.74%), for printing (28.78%) and to spend time in warm spaces and to meet other people (23.65%) were also common reasons why residents visit.

Online resources were used, however, a high percentage (65.13%) commented they were not aware of or did not use online resources.

Recent data shows an increase in numbers using library services, with Langley Library clearly the second most in demand after The Curve. Though usage in Cippenham declined with reduced opening hours, there is the opportunity to increase usage of the library building through a new community-led approach.

There is also the potential to bid for funding through the Libraries Improvement Fund from the Arts Council.

A refreshed approach to the library service is of the greatest benefit to residents to enable them to still access services in all four areas and give more flexibility to ensure existing resources are used more effectively. It could include the delivery of outreach programmes, greater promotion of online services and the standardisation of opening hours.

Cabinet is also being asked to confirm the three priorities in the library service plan which are improved literacy and love of reading for all residents, affordable services available to all users and levelling up opportunities for all residents.

Cabinet is asked to delegate authority to the Executive Director of Children’s Services, in consultation with the Lead Member for Education and Children’s Services, to make a decision on the future delivery model within Cippenham.

The meeting will be at 6.30pm on Monday 19 May. Find the papers online.