To help in planning and developing the library service, we have eight local library committees based in the following individual libraries or groups of libraries.
- Bradley Stoke Library
- Cadbury Heath Library/Hanham Library/Kingswood Library
- Yate Library/Chipping Sodbury Library/Mobile Library
- Downend Library/Staple Hill Library
- Filton Library
- Patchway Library
- Thornbury Library
- Winterbourne Library
- Emersons Green Library
Each committee has representatives from the users of that library or group of libraries as well as representatives of the local communities and parish and South Gloucestershire councillors for the area.
The committees meet four times per year to discuss the performance of the library, new initiatives and for the library staff to listen to the views of the committee. They are an invaluable part of the decision-making process in South Gloucestershire Library Service, enabling us to develop a service that meets the needs of local people.
Minutes and agendas from the meetings are available in each library.
The committees welcome new members. If you are interested in joining the committee or would like the committee to discuss a particular library issue, please contact your local library.
Users consultative committee constitution
1 Purpose
1.1 To enable local library users to meet to consider matters affecting the running of (name of library).
1.2 To advise the head of the Library and Information Service, the library team manager and librarian on matters affecting the library service.
1.3 To make recommendations to the executive councillor (Community Services) and appropriate consultative forums of South Gloucestershire Council on library matters.
1.4 To make representation to other appropriate bodies on library issues.
1.5 To consider and respond to any matter referred to the Library Users Consultative Committee.
1.6 To assist in the promotion of the local library service.
1.7 To fundraise on behalf of (name of library). All money raised to be paid directly into the library's suspense account.
1.8 To receive regular library service reports from staff.
2 Membership
2.1 The committee, which shall comprise of a maximum of 15 members, shall be composed of:
Individual library users and representatives of organisations in the catchment area of (name of library) who in the opinion of the Library Users Consultative Committee and the head of the Library and Information Service would contribute to discussions on library matters.
One representative from South Gloucestershire Council.
One representative from each of the local parish councils within the catchment area of the library.
2.2 South Gloucestershire Council officers with particular responsibility for library services have the right to attend any meetings but will not be entitled to vote.
3 Standing orders
3.1 The period of office of members shall be 4 years. A member may resign at any time and must resign at the end of the 4-year term, but may stand for re-selection. No member shall stand for more than 2 consecutive terms.
3.2 Any vacancy arising during any period of office shall be notified to the Library Team Manager who shall, if appropriate, seek nominations from the relevant body and take steps to secure the appointment of a person to fill the vacancy.
3.3 The committee shall hold not less than four meetings a year, including an annual general meeting in October.
3.4 Members of the public shall be entitled to attend all meetings but shall only be entitled to speak under agenda item 1.
3.5 At least five clear days written notice shall be given of all meetings of the committee, specifying the business proposed to be transacted and signed by the secretary. A public notice shall be displayed in the library.
3.6 The committee shall elect a chair and vice chair at the annual general meeting each year.
3.7 Each member of the committee unable to attend a particular meeting may appoint a substitute from within their organisation or, if representing individual library users, from other library users.
3.8 A quorum shall comprise not less than five people or a third of the voting membership, whichever is the less. Only those described in 2.1 and 3.7 shall be entitled to vote.
3.9 Decisions shall be taken by majority vote. In the event of equality of votes, the Chair of the meeting shall have a casting vote.
3.10 Members absent for three consecutive meetings without apologies shall be deemed as having resigned.
3.11 The committee shall nominate representative(s) from its membership to other South Gloucestershire Council consultative forums as it deems fit.
3.12 The librarian shall act as secretary to the committee.
4 Dissolution
4.1 South Gloucestershire Council may at any time and at its discretion dissolve the (name of library) Users Consultative Committee or determine any appointment to it.