Cabinet: proposal for new libraries and archives delivery model

 
Issued by City of York Council

Detailed proposals for the UK’s first staff-led Libraries and Archives Community Benefit Society (CBS) are being put to Cabinet on 16 July.

The intention is for a new CBS with exempt charity status to begin on 1 April 2014 on a five-year contract, one third owned by staff and two-thirds owned by the public.

Councillor Sonja Crisp, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said: “We made a commitment to ensure the future of our exemplary Library and Archive services, our public consultation showed us that residents’ biggest concern is that the libraries stay open, and this ground-breaking plan which is winning national acclaim aims to do just that. Not only will it secure the service, but will offer the best possible route for continued improvement.

“Just as all our libraries will transfer into the new service, so will all our staff on whose expertise and enthusiasm we will continue to rely: there will be paid, professional staff at each library.

“Anyone can become a member of the society. For just a £1 stake – and £1 of liability – members of the public can stand for election to the board, they can have voting rights and, of course, continue to use and enjoy the libraries and archive: all really meaningful ways of being involved.”

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