Thornbury Library Committee
Notes of the meeting held on Tuesday 15 April 2008 at 7.00pm
Present: Benj Emmerson (chair), Rosemary Mitchell (vice-chair), Kate Hand, Shirley Holloway, Ann Wilkins, Betty Johnson, Jeanette Ward, Esme Hodge, Sue Lloyd, John Abraham (Team manager), Bob Filer (Librarian)
Apologies: Sheila Waller, Ann Lewis, Liz Wright.
Benj welcomed Shirley & Sue.
Minutes: Accepted. Committee reiterated they prefer notes to formal minutes.
Matters arising: New library. Shirley reported planning permission lasts for 5 years and has 3 years left to run.
Librarian’s report: Circulated. Bob highlighted main points. Committee agreed new Aldi should reinvigorate shopping centre; pleased about eco friendly jute bags but thought price needed to be competitive; renewals and reservations placed by Thornbury customers on the web were not accredited to local library statistics and fear that the library may appear less busy than it is, especially relevant as discussion on future library development continues.
Children’s PLUS: Bob summarised the 55 written comments (190 forms returned in total). 17 asked for more books etc but 15 asked for things which could be related to a new library e.g. new; bigger; colourful; comfy chairs; drinks etc. Again committee felt this info was relevant as regards any discussion over desire for new library.
Library service plan 2008-9: John summarised the main features of the service plan covering all libraries and indicated how it is designed to match Council priorities and Bob summarised main aspects of Thornbury’s plan. Committee were interested to hear about need for more tutors to teach IT and suggested greater use of volunteers.
National Year of Reading: Bob filled the table with examples of things libraries are doing from handing out red roses on St Georges Day to welcome packs for the national joining campaign, with our May health month and author visits in between.
Friends of the Library –developments at Yate Library: Committee were very interested in the on-line consultation for Yate Library and thought there was mileage in this for the Thornbury committee.
Budget-capital and income: Committee were pleased to hear from John that there were no plans for cuts and that capital funding has been provided for building refurbishment works for South Glos libraries and an increase in the book fund over the next 3 years. Work has started on the new Staple Hill Library and plans are under way for the lottery funded redevelopment of Yate Library. Thornbury itself will have essential maintenance work carried out until situation with new library is resolved.
Thornbury Library Festival? Benj has made contact with organizer of Bath Festival who recommended starting small and linking with established Thornbury Festival. There was a long discussion and it was agreed members would email Bob with ideas and then make contact with members of Thornbury Festival.
Any other business: Shirley suggested we use community transport to bus housebound people to library; Bob attended presentation from ACT who have ideas for a performance /arts venue but no site; late news (!) Filton Library Committee have suggested bringing all committees together for a visioning exercise to review way forward for library committees and to extend time members can serve.
Date of next meeting: Wednesday 9 July; Wednesday 8 October (AGM)