Hull City Council has agreed a 10-year strategy for the city’s libraries.
The strategy, which tells how technology will play an important role in libraries of the future, was agreed at a Cabinet meeting earlier this week following consultation with residents and library staff.
The vision for Hull’s libraries in 2030 illustrates the central role they have in helping the city achieve its aim of being a place of community and opportunity for all.
To achieve it, Hull Libraries has set out a list of priorities to deliver the 10-year strategy, including transforming public perception of libraries, creating connected community spaces, the use of libraries as physical and virtual spaces, transforming libraries to encourage a love of reading and learning, collaborating with people, communities and partners and creating a sustainable future.
Hull Central Library in Hull city centre.
Councillor Dave Craker, portfolio holder for culture, leisure and tourism, said: “The council recognises the important role our public libraries have in communities and the contribution they make to improving outcomes for local people.
“We also recognise the importance of bringing together the physical and digital worlds to ensure that library spaces and services are built for the future.”
Hull Libraries consists of Hull Central Library and 11 branch libraries that support communities throughout the city.
The service has 189,647 members and last year had 889,037 visitors. Hull Libraries also produced 2,442 events that were attended by 49,642 people.
Councillor Marjorie Brabazon, chair of Hull Culture and Leisure, said: “Hull Culture and Leisure is proud of the work our library service does across the city. Their work is wide-ranging and caters for residents of all ages and backgrounds, encouraging and supporting them in many aspects of their lives.”
Hull Libraries is now developing a detailed delivery plan that will be considered by the Council’s Cabinet in September.
