Derby's community libraries are set to take a step nearer to being run by a Trust when Cabinet is asked to appoint a new operator to run them.
Cabinet members will be updated on the formal evaluation process of bidders, and asked to approve plans to negotiate and agree leases with a new operator when they meet on Wednesday 9 October.
Earlier this year, Cabinet approved plans for the city’s non-statutory libraries to be run by a Trust and a formal process to identify viable proposals was launched in March 2024.
Three organisations submitted formal bids and the Council conducted a thorough evaluation to ensure the best possible bidder is selected.
A panel of representatives from various council services assessed the bids against a set of criteria, including financial viability and alignment with the Council’s budget.
The successful bidder will enter into a formal negotiation and lease agreement with the Council, who could provide a financial support package to operate the community libraries, depending on the specific needs of the chosen operator.
Councillor Sarah Chambers, Cabinet Member for Cost of Living, Equalities and Communities at Derby City Council said:
As a Labour administration we have made the commitment to identify a partner that will help us ensure a sustainable future for our library services.
Despite the current economic climate and funding challenges, we're confident in our ability to fulfil our manifesto pledge and preserve these valuable community resources. Libraries are vital; their worth cannot be measured in books alone.
Depending on how it is set up, an organisation separate from the Council could be eligible for grants not available to an in-house council service and benefit from alternative funding, such as sponsorship and donations.
The city’s community libraries transferred to the Council in April 2023, while the process to identify a future provider takes place.
The ten community libraries are Allestree, Allenton, Blagreaves, Chaddesden Park, Chellaston, Derwent Community Library, Mackworth, Sinfin, Spondon and Springwood (Oakwood).
Derby’s five statutory libraries (Alvaston, Normanton, Mickleover, Riverside and Local Studies) are not affected by the proposals and continue to be operated by Derby City Council.