New providers to take over remaining 15 Lincolnshire libraries

Lincolnshire’s 15 remaining core libraries are to be taken over by new providers from next week.

Management will transfer to not-for-profit organisation Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL), to be run alongside the county’s 30 community hubs, now managed by volunteers.

The new chapter for the library service will also see GLL handle the county’s online library services and support for those unable to reach their nearest library because of things like disability, age or ill-health.

Councillor Nick Worth. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Councillor Nick Worth, Executive Member for Libraries, said: “It’s great to have GLL on board, and I’m confident that, together, we can both improve our library services and deliver significant savings.

“Nowadays, libraries are about much more than just books. We want to be sure our libraries stay at the heart of their community, and, to do that, they need to change with the times.

“So we’ll be working with GLL to make sure our libraries continue to provide the right range of services, the services people need, hopefully bringing a few new customers through the door in the process.”

Peter Bundey, Deputy Managing Director for GLL, said: “GLL is the UK’s largest leisure charitable social enterprise with extensive experience in providing high quality library services and boosting library visits and book loans.

“We are excited about managing libraries across Lincolnshire developing services to meet the interest and needs of local communities.

“GLL are looking forward to working with LCC across the service, covering 15 libraries and supporting over 30 community hub locations.

“We are hitting the ground running with new plans for a Reading Garden and Teenage Library in Lincoln and a revamped Mobile Library in Mablethorpe – on top of scheduled library activities like the Summer Reading Challenge, Home Library and IT tasters.

“These are exciting times, as we aim to increase library footfall and attract and welcome readers of all ages.”

The county’s 15 core libraries are:

• Lincoln Central
• Grantham
• Boston
• Spalding
• Gainsborough
• Stamford
• Skegness
• Louth
• Sleaford
• Mablethorpe
• Bourne
• Long Sutton
• Woodhall Spa
• Market Rasen
• Horncastle