Galleywood Parish Council

GALLEYWOOD PARISH COUNCIL’S STRATEGY FOR GALLEYWOOD LIBRARY

SUMMARY

Contents 1. Introduction...... 2 2. Galleywood Parish Council Resolution - 3 December 2018 ...... 3 3. Galleywood Parish Council Consultees ...... 3 4. Libraries near Galleywood ...... 4 5. Some of the Many Things That Happen in Libraries ...... 5 6. What About the Buildings? ...... 5 7. Resources ...... 5 8. Visions and Ambitions ...... 6 9. Residents Comment and Concerns ...... 7 10. Galleywood Parish Council Comments on Essex County Council’s Future Library Services Strategy 2019 – 2024 ...... 8 11. Galleywood Parish Council’s Options for the Galleywood Library Services and Building ...... 9

LEGAL STATUS Copyright © 2018 – Galleywood Parish Council. Proprietary and Confidential – The information in this document is the property of Galleywood Parish Council, is confidential and must not be disclosed without the written permission of Galleywood Parish Council. It is provided only to allow these recipients to evaluate the project described herein. No licence or rights are granted to the information or ideas or processes described or referred to in this document. The data in this document is subject to change without notice. The document contains information and images from third parties that may be the subject of separate copyright restrictions.

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1. Introduction

This document is a draft Galleywood Parish Council (GPC) strategy and contains proposals for the provision of services from the existing Essex County Council (ECC) library building in Galleywood.

This strategy paper and proposals was publicly consulted at a public meeting held on 26 January 2019 and has since been adopted by the Parish Council. This document is submitted to ECC in response to the Draft Essex Future Library Services Strategy 2019 – 2024 document published by ECC for a public consultation which ran from 29 November 2018 to 20 February 2019.

Residents were encouraged to respond to the ECC consultation by completing the online ECC survey and attending public meetings of the Parish Council (see below) before the 20 February 2019.

Timeline of this document

2018 November 14 Publication of the Agenda for the ECC Cabinet meeting

2018 November 22 ECC Cabinet meeting

2019 November 29 ECC Consultation Starts

2018 December 3 Galleywood Parish Council (Public) Meeting of the Council

2019 January 7 Galleywood Parish Council (Public) Meeting of the Council 1st Draft Consultation proposals discussed (Published 31st December 2018) GPC open to public comments on the draft

2019 January 26 Galleywood Parish Council (Public) Meeting to present the GPC Strategy and proposals

2019 February 4 Galleywood Parish Council (Public) Meeting of the Council 2nd Draft Consultation proposals discussed

Final proposal incorporating public comments/changes (4th – 19th )

2019 February 20 Galleywood Parish Council Submission of Proposals

2019 February 20 ECC Consultation Ends

Revised Strategy document to ECC Cabinet

Adoption of the Strategy

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2. Galleywood Parish Council Resolution - 3 December 2018

As a result of the first public meeting in Galleywood by the Parish Council on 3 December 2018 the Parish Council discussed the ECC Draft Strategy with the public then resolved as a Parish Council to:

18-207 Public Consultation on Essex Future Library Services Strategy

Members considered the consultation document for the closure of Galleywood Library.

18-207 RESOLVED that Galleywood Parish Council:

1. engages with the County Council ‘Future Library Services Strategy’ and will strive to ensure that the Galleywood Library building remains open, delivering the services required by the community;

2. consider all viable options for partnering services;

3. is open to supporting a community library service subject to further information;

4. set up a Working Party to draft a suitable community proposal for the future use of the Galleywood Library building as part of its contribution to the consultation;

5. publicly consult the proposals in January 2019 prior to the consultation closing date (20 February 2019) in a Galleywood public meeting hosted by the Parish Council;

6. apply for an Asset of Community Value status for the Galleywood Library

Draft minutes of the Parish Council meeting 3rd December 2018

Except for item 6. GPC has summarised these actions and their outcomes in this document.

3. Galleywood Parish Council Consultees

This document forms the culmination of the GPC’s response on behalf of the community to the ECC’s Public Consultation on Essex Future Library Services Strategy. • The document lays out a commentary on the Draft ECC Library Strategy and provides alternative proposals where these are within the power and scope of the Parish Council; • It disagrees with the Draft ECC strategy for Galleywood and that this consultation is not about the lending book service and all about the Galleywood Library building and the services that are provided at this location; • This consultation response focuses on keeping the building open and providing services that will meet the needs of the Community. The approach taken by GPC had been publicly tested in four public Council meetings with one specifically dedicated public meeting. It is based on evidence provided by ECC and other bodies and feedback from the community and partners. Although GPC has no duty to co-operate with neighbouring parishes and wards it had sought the opinion of the following organisations during the preparation of this document: • Essex County Council • City Council • Parish Council • Parish Council

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• Sandon Parish Council • Stock Parish Council • Councillor Jenny Chandler – Essex County Councillor for Galleywood

The following adjoining Chelmsford City Council Ward Councillors:

• and East and West – Councillor Matthew Flack, Councillor Richard Poulter • Galleywood Ward – Councillor Janette Potter, Councillor David Stevenson • Goat Hall Ward – Councillor Anthony McQuiggan, Councillor Freda Mountain • Great Baddow East – Councillor Liz Ahmed, Councillor Stephanie Scott, Councillor Gillian Smith • Great Baddow West – Councillor Jenny Chandler, Councillor Bob Villa • , Danbury and Sandon – Councillor Richard Ambor, Councillor Robert Shepherd, Councillor Ian Wright • , Stock and Ward - Councillor Ian Grundy, Councillor Roy Whitehead (prior to May 2019)

4. Essex Libraries near Galleywood

4

2 X 3

1 X4 2 4 X 4 X

3 4 X

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5. Some of the Many Things That Happen in Libraries

Currently Currently Proposed in in Essex in Galleywood as Galleywood a result of this strategy Books and magazines ✓ ✓ ✓ Book readings, music and ✓ ✓ ✓ events Job clubs and job search ✓  Proposed help Language books and classes ✓ ✓ ✓ Free public network ✓ ✓ ✓ computers Code Clubs ✓  Proposed Baby and Toddler ✓ ✓ ✓ Rhyme times ✓ ✓ ✓ Wi-Fi access ✓ ✓ ✓ Parish Council Office   Proposed Health Services (Clinic room)   Proposed Refreshments/Cafe   Proposed Meeting Room   Proposed Adult Classes   Proposed After School Homework   Proposed (quiet place)

6. What About the Buildings?

The current Galleywood Library building is owned by Essex County Council’s Property service and was built in the 1960s. It is in a poor state of repair and maintenance.

It comprises of a steel frame, largely brick and glass clad, flat roofed structure. The building houses a main library hall housing the book stock, public computers and reception, an office, a kitchen, a storeroom and toilet. The surrounding space provides some public open space and shared parking including disabled spaces.

7. Resources

ECC needs to do more than simply identify savings each year and it must reshape and reimagine services to make them streamline, sustainable and fit for the future. Reducing the size of the library service estate will save on running and capital costs and free up resources to invest in improving other aspects of the service. Withdrawing library services from Tier 4 locations, where they are not required to provide a comprehensive library offer will save an estimated £974,000.

By moving Galleywood Library and services to Tier 3 or 4 and taking over the running of the building GPC will not be diminishing the estimated £974,000 sum.

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8. Visions and Ambitions

Galleywood Parish Council would like to: a. see the best libraries are at the heart of the community dovetailing with the Council’s approach to everything from public service to lifelong learning to wellbeing, job seeking, volunteering, education and encouraging more people to get online. Providing an Education and Skills Centre in our local area; b. Co-develop an investment strategy for the Library service and Community Hub programme that will seek to increase resources; c. see Council investment and exploring income generation through different means, co-locating services and sharing costs; d. see the following strategic aims across the service:

Reading • continue to embrace, promote and encourage participation in the annual Summer Reading Challenge; • support the creation of reading groups to promote the enjoyment of reading from Baby Rhyme Time to adult circles across a range of genres; • encourage literacy support through reading and discussion especially for those for whom English is a second language.

Learning • continue to support learning through small groups and new approaches to learning (STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), Fun Places etc; • encourage progression to further learning through local providers and seek to encourage new learning opportunities in partnership with others.

Digital • continue to support learning to access IT in response to resident interest; • invest in and promote e-learning and e-resources including new resources that underpin learning and leisure, supporting staff and residents to up skill in these areas.

Well-being • promote campaigns that raise awareness of issues of health and well-being and encourage services that residents want to see locally such as eye clinics, hearing tests etc; • train staff to support residents who are exploring issues related to health and well-being to help signpost and self-refer to community led and public services; • promote and support the use of digital platforms and the use of technology that supports health and well-being Communities; • seek to develop the Galleywood Library as a community hub; • work with local organisations to use the Library on days it is closed to enable self- service; • recognise the role the Library libraries can play in building integration and provide a safe place to meet, develop and promote local network.

Prosperity • continue to provide free Wi-fi and up to two hours free access to PCs; • explore income generation opportunities so that money can be invested in the library service, creating a sustainable service for the future, developing shared business plans where we co-locate with partners; • promote help into employment and reskilling as a path to prosperity;

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• promote opportunities to share resources, save and budget effectively so that residents can make their money go further. e. see a common set of outcomes and performance indicators which will deliver greater accountability, comparability and transparency and lead to more efficient and effective performance management.

9. Residents Comment and Concerns

A public meeting was held on Saturday 26 January 2019 at Galleywood Heritage Centre. A number of comments and concerns were provided by residents and a summary is detailed below:

Strategy Figures and Statistics • what were the figures for the Galleywood Library based on? • the figures used for the Strategy were only based on book loans not general footfall, 20% of Galleywood residents are over 65; • where is the support for the local community (Health and Wellbeing Strategy); • the Strategy states that it is based on a previous consultation, when and where did this take place, how many people took part; computer-based consultations put many people at a disadvantage if you do not have a computer; • the recent open sessions held at the Library showed that there has been no thought for the local groups who use the building.

Tier Classification • if the Galleywood Library was placed in Tier 3, then volunteers would be responsible for their own stock which would be a problem for a community organisation trying to run the library on a voluntary basis with no access to Essex County Council stock; • the distance to Great Baddow Library is 2 miles away, not less than 2 miles away, the location of the Galleywood Library should have been taken into account when assessing the level of deprivation; • what are the decisions regarding Tier classification based on, has the location, usage by groups being taken into consideration as closure will result in people’s enjoyment, create isolation for the young, old, vulnerable and disabled, this will result in pressure on the local police, NHS and social care; • there is too much focus on E books and the internet; it is an important skill to hold and read a book; are there any figures for library use since the closure was announced; the opening times are limited for working people, depending on where you live in Galleywood the Library at Great Baddow is a long walk, when you have to carry books, the bus service is reduced and is expensive.

Current Library Usage • the deprivation figures in the junior school are severe; the library is a safe place to be for many children; the rhyme time sessions are invaluable to new mums; • St Michaels C of E Junior School work closely with the Library and make regular visits; children care about the Library and are willing to help in any way to save it; • statutory consultations on certain documents are only available in hard copy at the Library; should the Library close, what will happen to the local books and • book groups will have to close as there will not be enough books; it is too far to walk to Great Baddow Library; • the baby rhyme time sessions are great, along with the baby sensory class on a Friday – have they been included in the attendance figures;

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• many posters and leaflets are displayed in the Galleywood Library providing information to residents on various topics and events; if your library ticket has expired then you will not be classed as a user; • a library is a large part of social and history of the village; the summer reading challenge is very popular.

10. Galleywood Parish Council Comments on Essex County Council’s Future Library Services Strategy 2019 – 2024

Agree that: • Library services are integral to society, helping people to thrive and prosper. They help create great places to grow up, live and work. Help people get a good start in life and age well; • ECC approach to meet the evolution of library services for changing communities. This will be met by meeting residents’ needs in a digital world and support ECC staff to deliver great customer service. A modernised infrastructure in the existing Galleywood Library building that is complementary to the centralised services; • ECC’s vision and ambition over the next 5 years of a 21st century library service that is inclusive and vibrant and enables all users to learn, engage and remain connected to their communities through the existing and repurposed Galleywood Library building; • ECC will seek capital investment to modernise library spaces and will explore additional sources of funding for which GPC seeks to work with ECC to achieve this in Galleywood; • the priorities for the delivery of services through a local building as shown in the Spring engagement. The top six priorities being: 1. 89% quality range of books and other stock 2. 70% well informed employees or volunteers to assist 3. 66% a local library 4. 62% convenient opening time 5. 35% a range of children’s events and activities 6. 34% access to computers • ECC’s ambition to deliver their core offer and seek new ways of working with delivery in partnership through the existing and repurposed Galleywood Library building; • the reduction in book loans across the County and seeks to partner with ECC for the cost-efficient delivery of this service. GPC welcomes the opportunity to facilitate the delivery of a book service in Galleywood through innovation and utilisation of cost-effective delivery using the Mobile Book service and centrally facilitated book exchanges; • the statutory duties of ECC providing these free facilities to people who live, work or study in Galleywood with the provision through the Government and local taxes being the statutory method. Whilst GPC has within its power the ability to raise additional local taxes in its annual precept it is open to partnering to facilitate the delivery of the Library service and to ‘pool’ resources to allow this to happen locally; • ECC’s public engagement and research carried out in Spring 2018, in particular the value of a local library and the creation of Safe Social Spaces for the delivery of services. GPC is willing to partner the delivery of these key findings from the engagement; • the use support of the building and would support the delivery of the other services as identified in the Spring engagement: 1. 71% Adult learning classes 2. 55% Providing health information and advice 3. 55% Groups/activities run by the community 4. 54% accessing other council services, e.g. council tax/housing

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• many Essex residents experience feelings of loneliness or isolation and in rural areas, older people and new parents can be particularly affected. Libraries play a vital role in this, for example Rhyme time sessions for babies and toddlers are activities where new parents can meet and socialise. GPC seeks to retain the provision of these services from the Library building; • that Libraries remain a valued part of the community they serve and strongly assert that this should be delivered where possible locally. The Council strongly agrees that the closure of the building is unnecessary and will result in stronger harm by removing services that are valued by the local community

Disagree with: • ECC’s comment within the Strategy being about library services and not buildings. Its focus is to keep the Library building open and delivering services; • ECC’s comment within the Strategy that it will meet the statutory duty to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service. The proposed classification of Galleywood Library as Tier 4 will CLOSE the Library building removing ALL services from Galleywood not just the Library Book loan service and removing all staff; • ECC’s approach of the tier model ensuring that a library service is provided in appropriate locations across the County according to the needs of the community. For the needs of the surrounding residents the building and the services provided in the building are more important.

General Comments • Moving to Tier 3 would enable the Parish Council to partner ECC to support the provision of library services and prevent closure of the services in the building through an alternative ownership or lease model; • if the library services are removed then GPC would welcome the adjustment of the routes and timetables for the Mobile Library service in relation to Galleywood and the surrounding areas; • Closure of the building will result in ECC’s Visions and Ambitions not being met in Galleywood and the surrounding areas; • Closure of the building will prevent the provision of services to the whole community, be it a quiet place to study, a shared space for community events, or access to books to encourage a love of reading from early years to old age; • GPC will provision space to reflect in what people want from their library. It will provision quiet places to study, a shared space for community events and access to books to encourage a love of reading from early years to old age; • GPC is seeking to reduce the ongoing property liability for the County Council by exploring options on ownership or payment

11. Galleywood Parish Council’s Options for the Galleywood Library Services and Building

Option 1

a. No change to the current Library service at Galleywood Library. Would like full time opening hours. Move from the proposed Tier 4 to Tier 1 as part of the Statutory provision of a comprehensive network

b. More investment in the current Library building i.e. community café

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Option 2 a. Move Galleywood Library from the proposed Tier 4 to Tier 3 which would provide support from ECC with the provision of a library service run by a community organisation or other partners with ECC support b. The building could be retained by ECC or taken over by GPC

Option 3

Removal of the Library service. GPC to take over the building and provide other services including a mobile library service. Other services to be explored: • YMCA Essex • Star Co-operative community café • Public computer use

Option 4

Closure of the building

Publication Date: 6 September 2019

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