Agenda item

(Report of the Chief Operating Officer. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Resources and Culture)There are two issues being addressed in this report. The first is to share with members a review of Haringey’s libraries and library service that was completed in 2014 and make appropriate recommendations to invest significantly into the borough’s Libraries. The second issue concerns the relocation of 180 staff currently located at Apex House which is being transferred to new owners in November 2015 and that will require the improvement of Wood Green and Marcus Garvey libraries to facilitate the move.

Following the deputation, it was agreed to move directly to the Item  on the Review of Libraries and Improving Face-to-Face  Customer Services (Item 23 on the agenda):

The report was introduced by the Cabinet Member for Resources & Culture. The report provided information on the results of a review of Haringey’s libraries and library service that was completed in 2014 and also sought approval for the relocation of 180 staff currently located at Apex house and the accompanying improvement works to Marcus Garvey and Wood Green Libraries to facilitate this. 

The Leader noted that instead of a wholesale relocation of staff into Marcus Garvey, staff would be also be relocated to the Council’s existing Customer Services centre at 48 Station Road and into Wood Green Library in addition.  The Leader also reiterated the proposal for significant investment in Marcus Garvey library contained in the report. Finally, the Leader outlined the benefits of the £3m investment in Marcus Garvey, as laid out in paragraph 5.25 of the report, namely:

• No loss of library space
• Improved access to building
• Improved IT facilities for public use
• Improved toilet facilities
• Improved book stands and book stock
• Improved learning zones
• Bringing three customer services points into one and providing modern mobile technology based customer service
• Refreshed front door improvements 

Cllr Arthur commended the recommendations set out in the report and also stated that additional work would need to be developed in order to create a comprehensive libraries strategy that set out what the future role of libraries would be. It was noted that a lot of engagement with user groups and residents would take place as part of this process.

RESOLVED that approval be given to:

i). Tranche 1 – Building & improvement works to Marcus Garvey Library to upgrade the building and improve library, learning and customer services and the release of £3m to fund capital works.

ii). Tranche 1 – Improvement works to Wood Green Library to redesign the library space and to locate an improved Customer Service offer into the unused space upstairs allowing a consolidation of Customer Services staff to be relocated in Wood Green Library and the release of £1.5m to fund capital works.

iii) Tranche 1 – The refurbishment of 48 Station Road, Wood Green, to facilitate the relocation of Community Housing Services currently in Apex House to 48 Station, Wood Green and the release of £0.5m to fund capital works.

iv) Tranche 1 – Develop an options analysis for the delivery of library services from  Muswell Hill Library and release £80k revenue funding from the Transformation Reserve.

v) Tranche 2 – The development of a library strategy to plan for the longer term future of the library service which will be presented to Cabinet in September 2015.

vi) Tranche 3 – The development of the IT network for libraries.

Alternative Options considered

Officers considered a number of alternatives in order to move staff out of Apex House with consideration to the complexity around the time constraints of vacant possession of Apex House. The three locations that offered the most appropriate viable options were Marcus Garvey Library, Wood Green Library and 48 Station Road.

Reasons for Decision

The changes proposed, would help deliver a number of key corporate outcomes for the Council. The actions contained within the report would deliver on the review of Haringey Library service that was completed in 2014 and would invest in delivery of a better service. The changes would secure a new location for 180 staff currently located at Apex House by improving Wood Green and Marcus Garvey Libraries. All of these changes would help to deliver a better face-to-face service for residents and customers and deliver key aspects of the Council’s corporate Customer Services Transformation Programme.