Agenda item

This report updates Members on the performance of Explore York Libraries & Archives Mutual Ltd.

Members considered a report that updated them on the performance of Explore York Libraries & Archive Mutual Ltd.

The Chief Executive of Explore York Libraries and Archives was in attendance to give an update on their performance and achievements. She highlighted the key activities taking place including the opening of a new Explore centre and Gateway library, which would represent significant change for Explore as an organisation and would allow the cultural business to grow. She presented her report and Members noted that:

·        Book issues were above average, with ebooks also doing extremely well.

·        Visits to libraries were in the upper quartile.

·        Volunteers provided invaluable support to paid staff.

·        Archives Accreditation had been achieved which was a recognised national quality standard for archive service and was administered by The UK Archive Service Accreditation Partnership.

·        The Past Caring project had now been catalogued and conserved and was available to the public.

·        The 2018 summer reading challenge for children would be ‘Mischief Makers,’ to celebrate 80 years of the Beano.

·        The Big City Read would launch on Thursday 20 September where 5000 free copies of Matt Haig’s book, The Radleys, set in Bishopthorpe, would be available.

·        Acomb Explore were celebrating their 10^th birthday.

·        The new Explore centre at Burnholme would be opening to the public on 23 June 2018 and thanks were expressed to CYC officers for their help and support during the development.

·        The Gateway library in New Earswick was relocating from the primary school to the Folk Hall and opening on 26 May 2018, allowing a partnership with Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust to develop and the local community to use the library until 10pm.

·        Officers were working on a 20 year plan and the renewal of the 5 year contract with City of York Council.

In response to Members questions the Chief Executive confirmed:

·        87 school visits had taken place between January and March 2018 and she would ensure Committee Members received a breakdown of these visits, including the trends over the years.¹

·        The cafe infrastructure had become an essential part that brought people and books together, which had helped with library growth.

·        Key performance indicators for New Earswick Gateway library were being developed and officers would work with Folk Hall staff to monitor the usage during the extended opening hours.

·        Paid staff and volunteers had a clear understanding of their roles and worked very well together.

Following further discussions around reading cafes and the use of the lawn at York Explore, Members were informed that:

·        The cafe at York Explore was ‘breaking even’ and staff were working hard to compete with the city centre competition to improve their figures.

·        The New Earswick cafe would be managed by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

·        The cafe at Burnholme Explore would run similar to Acomb Explore.

·        Officers would be considering the cafe configurations over the next 20 years.

Members thanked the Chief Executive for her update and noted that the book issues had been consistent over the 5 year contract.

Resolved:   (i)     That the report be noted.

(ii)      That Members receive comprehensive and accurate figures on school visits.

Reason: To help monitor the service received under the contract.