New move to ensure Derby libraries stay open for years to come

A Labour cabinet member from Derby City Council said: 'We're confident in our ability to fulfil our manifesto pledge and preserve these valuable community resources'

Councillors are to be asked to approve a new operator for 10 of the city's libraries when the council's cabinet meets next week. The community libraries which were first split off from the other five city libraries in 2018, to be run by charity Direct Help and Advice, are about to become part of a trust.

Cabinet members will be updated on the formal evaluation process of bidders and asked to approve plans to negotiate and agree leases with a new operator. Three unnamed organisations submitted formal bids to form a trust and the council conducted a thorough evaluation to ensure the best possible bidder was selected.

A panel of representatives from various council services assessed the bids against a set of criteria, including financial viability and alignment with the council’s budget.

The successful bidder will enter into a formal negotiation and lease agreement with the council, which could provide a financial support package to operate the community libraries, depending on the specific needs of the chosen operator.

The ten community libraries are Allestree, Allenton, Blagreaves, Chaddesden Park, Chellaston, Derwent Community Library, Mackworth, Sinfin, Spondon and Springwood (Oakwood).

Councillor Sarah Chambers, city council cabinet member for cost of living, equalities and communities, said: "As a Labour administration we have made the commitment to identify a partner that will help us ensure a sustainable future for our library services.

"Despite the current economic climate and funding challenges, we're confident in our ability to fulfil our manifesto pledge and preserve these valuable community resources. Libraries are vital and their worth cannot be measured in books alone.

"Depending on how it is set up, an organisation separate from the council could be eligible for grants not available to an in-house council service and benefit from alternative funding, such as sponsorship and donations."

The city’s community libraries transferred back to the council in April 2023, after Direct Help and Advice said it could no longer afford to run them.

Derby’s five statutory libraries, and not affected by the move to trust status, are Alvaston, Normanton, Mickleover, Riverside and Local Studies and they continue to be operated by Derby City Council.

The cabinet meeting will take place on Wednesday (October 9) in the Council Chamber from 6pm and is available to watch live on the city council's YouTube channel.