Item 08 - Proposal to Commence Consultation on West Dunbartonshire Library Services
West Dunbartonshire Council · 12 November 2025
Back to Corporate Services Committee — 12 November 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL Report by Chief Officer – Citizen, Culture &Facilities Corporate Services Committee: 12 November 2025 ___________________________________________________________________ Subject: Proposal to Commence Consultation on West Dunbartonshire Library Services 1. Purpose 1.1 The purpose of this report is to seek approval to launch a public consultation and engagement exercise on West Dunbartonshire Library Services to ensure its delivery model remains the most appropriate for meeting the Council’s strategic priorities and continues to be fit for purpose, efficient, financially sustainable, and responsive to public need. The consultation outcomes will help inform future strategic decisions on service delivery. 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended Committee: approves commencement of a stakeholder consultation to seek feedback on how Library Services are delivered now and in future notes the consultation document (Appendix 1) outlining the key themes and questions to be explored through the consultation process notes a report will be brought back to a future meeting of the Corporate Services Committee with the consultation findings and recommendations for future service delivery options. 3. Background 3.1 Demand for Council services, and the associated delivery costs, are increasing year on year with there being insufficient funding to absorb these increases. 3.2 The projected five-year cumulative gap between the money the Council needs to deliver services and the funding it receives is projected to be £54.4m. We anticipate savings of £8.9 million will be required in 2026/27 to help address that gap with further efficiencies in future years. 3.3 Consequently the Council needs to consider how best to meet the needs of communities within the reduced resources available. 3.4 Libraries remain a core public service, and the Council have a statutory duty to make them accessible and adequate for all. Given the scale of the Council’s financial challenge, income and expenditure in every service is being considered to consider sustainability and delivery moving forward. ITEM 8
Page 2
4. Main Issues 4.1 West Dunbartonshire’s libraries support reading, literacy, lifelong learning, cultural engagement, and community wellbeing ensuring inclusive digital access and welcoming spaces for all. This is aligned with the Council’s strategic commitment of building resilient neighbourhoods and unlocking the potential of every resident. 4.2 West Dunbartonshire’s eight public libraries include three main branches in Alexandria, Dumbarton, and Clydebank which, alongside branches in Balloch and Dalmuir, offer six day a week opening. Satellite branches in Faifley, Duntocher, and Parkhall complement this offer on limited weekday hours. In Clydebank, the five branch libraries are within one mile of one another. Balloch is 1.8 miles from Alexandria Library which, in turn, is 3.7miles from Dumbarton Library. 4.3 School library provision is offered three days per week from locations within each of the five mainstream secondary schools in the area. 4.4 In addition the service incorporates a mobile library which delivers to communities fortnightly and calls in at more than 50 locations as well as schools and early years centres. There is also a free home delivery service for residents unable to visit libraries or the mobile library and an extensive online digital library available 24/7 reaching residents who might not otherwise access libraries. It offers eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers. 4.5 Through its branches, the service provides a safe warm space for citizens to spend time with staff available to signpost to essential services when required. The service continues to reduce barriers of engagement for all age groups by ensuring all events and activities remain free with no fines or charges relating to book borrowing. Activities in the service include Bookbug, Story Time, Baby Yoga, Knit and Knatter, Book Groups, craft activities for adults and children, Lego clubs, Summer Reading Challenge, Home Education Group, as well as offering free computer and device access, wifi, digital training and serving as a health hub within individual communities. 4.6 While the library service has 44,700 members (2024/25) only 12,804 (28.6%) have been active library members in the last year. The service issued 101,704 physical books (2024/25) and 143,478 electronic issues. The number of libraries in West Dunbartonshire per 20,000 of the population is 1.78 compared to the national average of 1.80 per 20,000. 4.7 The service has undergone a number of changes in recent years largely driven by the financial climate and a requirement to deliver savings. The annual budget for the library service is £1.8million, with an employee headcount of 54. (37.4 FTE). The most recent Local Government Benchmarking Framework figures (2023/24) demonstrate the cost per visit to
Page 3
the area’s libraries as £4.76 against a national average of £2.38. The 2024/25 figure is currently being calculated however, given the recent changes in the service including co-location of branches to merge within existing community facilities, it is anticipated this cost will have reduced. 4.8 Co-locating has decreased operating costs for libraries saving circa £100k per year in revenue and delivering capital receipts for the Council of circa £401k. Dalmuir, Balloch, Parkhall and Duntocher are now operating in premises alongside other services. Faifley Library co-located into a new community campus in October 2025. 4.8 The Local Government Benchmarking Framework also shows the percentage of adults satisfied with libraries in West Dunbartonshire over the period 2021/24 was 77.7% against a national average of 66%. 4.9 There has been significant capital investment within the library estate in recent years, principally the refurbishment of Clydebank Library and the restoration of Glencairn House in Dumbarton to create a new library and museum. 4.10 This year Dumbarton Library will relocate to Glencairn Library and Museum with the inclusion of a standalone Children’s Library. Library services and archives will relocate from Poplar Road into the former Dumbarton Library building which will be the base of the mobile and home delivery service and a publicly accessible heritage store. 4.11 A draft strategy for West Dunbartonshire Libraries 2026-2030 is under development and defines the purpose and priorities of libraries going forward aligned with the Council Strategic Plan and the Scottish Library Information Council’s national strategy. 4.12 Informed by a public consultation, responses attached as appendix 2, the strategy will set a framework for the service over the next four years, committing to maximising partnerships and resources and reflecting and supporting communities. 4.13 This strategy, currently in draft form and subject to further engagement through focus groups with staff and the public, will directly support the four key priorities set out in the Council Strategic Plan and commits to the following service priorities for the next four years: Strategic Aim 1: Reading and Learning Strategic Aim 2: Fostering Community Wellbeing Strategic Aim 3: Empowering Connections Strategic Aim 4: Sustainable Development and Innovation 4.14 The Council remains committed to providing a quality library service which continues to meet the needs of communities and our statutory responsibilities.
Page 4
With the strategy now defined in terms of the priorities of the service, it is proposed to enter a public consultation seeking residents views on how libraries services are provided now and in the future. The proposed consultation will help inform future decision making and ensure the service adapts to evolving need within the resources available to deliver sustainable services for our communities. 4.15 The consultation is in line with the Council’s Engaging Communities Framework and if approved will take the form of an online survey via the Survery123 platform over a 10-week period from 17 November to 25 January 2026. Findings will be published on the Council website and considered alongside other service data when developing any future proposals for service delivery. 4.16 The Council is committed to ensuring its library services continue to meet the evolving needs of local communities. As part of the outcomes of the consultation valuable insight will be provided into how libraries are used, what barriers exist to access, and which services and resources are most valued. This feedback as part of the consultation will be used to shape improvement plans and delivery, ensuring that library provision remains inclusive, sustainable, and aligned with community priorities. 5. People Implications 5.1 At this stage, the report’s primary purpose is to seek approval to commence a consultation, therefore, there are no immediate direct implications for staff. 6. Financial and Procurement Implications 6.1 There are no financial implications arising from the decision to undertake a consultation. Engagement with communities is a factor in demonstrating Best Value. 6.2 There are no procurement recommendations as a result of this report. 7. Risk Analysis 7.1 There are risks associated with the consultation and potential changes to service delivery, including the possibility of low public or staff engagement which could limit the effectiveness of the review. Financial pressures may constrain service improvements, and deferred maintenance risks could affect asset condition and safety. To mitigate these risks, a robust consultation plan will be implemented to maximise participation, ongoing communication with employees will be maintained, and any future financial or operational decisions will be carefully managed with appropriate oversight. 8. Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA)
Page 5
8.1 An EIA is attached at Appendix 3. The consultation process is planned to ensure maximum coverage and accessibility for residents. Additional support is made available on request to ensure it is specific to the requirements of the individual. 9. Consultation 9.1 Regulatory & Regeneration, Resources, Citizen, Culture and Facilities have been consulted on the contents of this report. 9.2 If the recommendations are approved, officers will implement a detailed consultation plan, including engagement with the public, staff, and key stakeholders, as outlined in the consultation document (Appendix 1). Throughout the consultation period, comprehensive information will be provided to ensure transparent and meaningful participation. Feedback received will be carefully considered and used to inform future delivery options, with a further report brought back to the Corporate Services Committee outlining the outcomes and proposed next steps. 10. Strategic Assessment 10.1 In alignment with the Council’s Strategic Plan 2022–2027, this report demonstrates that undertaking a comprehensive consultation on the services provided by library services supports the delivery of key priorities: Our Communities – Resilient and Thriving: The consultation aims to ensure leisure and community services are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to local needs, promoting health, wellbeing, and social cohesion across West Dunbartonshire. Our Economy – Strong and Flourishing: By exploring sustainable and financially viable service delivery models, the Council supports the efficient use of resources, helping to maintain affordable and high-quality leisure opportunities that contribute to a vibrant local economy. Our Council – Inclusive and Adaptable: The consultation reflects the Council’s commitment to transparent and participatory decision-making, engaging residents, staff, and partners to shape future service provision that is adaptable to changing demands and financial realities. Through this consultation, the Council reinforces its commitment to these strategic priorities, ensuring the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of library services in meeting the evolving needs of the community. Amanda Graham Chief Officer - Citizen, Culture and Facilities Date: 10 October 2025
Page 6
Person to Contact: Amanda Graham Chief Officer - Citizen, Culture and Facilities Amanda.graham@west-dunbarton.gov.uk Appendices: Appendix 1 -Consultation question set Appendix 2 - Library Strategy Consultation response Appendix 3 - EIA Number 1337 Background Papers: N/A Wards Affected: All Council Wards.