Volunteers will not be asked to clean Staffordshire's libraries after walk-out worries
Volunteers helping to run Staffordshire’s libraries will not be asked to take on cleaning tasks – after concerns were raised the move could lead to walk-outs.
Staffordshire County Council has transferred the management of 27 libraries to community groups and other organisations in recent years.
While the change sparked opposition at the time, the community-managed libraries have remained open – and been hailed a success for offering leisure activities, IT support and a welcoming place to go for visitors in need of company, as well as more traditional services such as book lending.
Staffordshire County Council is now looking ahead to how the area’s 43 libraries will be managed over the next five years. But proposals to not replace cleaners at community-managed services once contracts end sparked concerns at a scrutiny committee meeting last month.
Speaking at the January's corporate review committee, Councillor Charlotte Atkins said: “I think we could kill the goose that laid the golden egg.
“These volunteers who have previously been involved with communities and users of the library are now having to do all the cleaning and gardening. The only way we grow and maintain our volunteers is by valuing them.
“If we say to them ‘by the way we are ending the contracts on cleaning and grounds maintenance and it’s down to you’ guess what happens – they will go. It seems to me we are taking the mick here.
“I don’t think they are going to get much satisfaction in cleaning the loos or digging the grounds.”
During Thursday’s cabinet meeting, councillors heard that strategic property services would now continue the cleaning and maintenance of library buildings when contracts are renewed for another five-year period.
Councillor Gill Heath, cabinet member for communities, said: “The committee raised concerns about the initial proposals around cleaning and maintenance, which the committee felt could lead to a reduction in volunteer numbers and loss of goodwill. We have listened to those concerns expressed.”
The community-managed libraries, which include services in Penkridge and Eccleshall, will also continue to receive support from the county council’s library service including professional guidance, expertise and library, as well as IT provision.
A report to the cabinet meeting said: “Utility costs will be reviewed and may remain at the same level; grounds maintenance will be reviewed on an individual basis and CMLs with charitable status will be required to claim back the 80 per cent business rate rebate that they are entitled to.”
Cabinet members also praised the work of their local libraries at Thursday’s meeting.
Councillor Mark Winnington’s division includes Gnosall Library, which successfully re-opened in a new venue in the village a year ago after being taken on by community group Glean Hub.
He said: “The people there do a fantastic job. There was a proposal that maybe the volunteer-managed libraries would do their own cleaning, but having spoken to the volunteers and listened to what the public have said Gill quite rightly changed that to the new recommendation. Volunteers will not be expected to clean the libraries.”
Councillor Jonathan Price said: “Libraries are much more than books – they are community hubs, which is extremely valuable. My library in Holmcroft does an excellent job.
“One user said if anyone is lonely they are welcome to come in and they will be asked if they would like a drink and a biscuit.”
Councillor Mark Deaville added: “They really do provide a peaceful haven."
