Lincolnshire Libraries’ success story to continue as provider re-appointed.
The long-term future of Lincolnshire’s much loved library service has been secured – bringing even more incredible events to our communities and supporting Lincolnshire’s next generation of literary talent to achieve their publishing dreams.
Following a procurement process, Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL) has been re-appointed and will continue to operate Lincolnshire’s libraries on behalf of the county council - managing 15 core libraries, services to rural communities and supporting 34 community hubs for a further five years.
Since the charitable social enterprise was appointed in 2016 the county’s libraries have gone from strength to strength and, a decade on, are more popular than ever.
Figures show that an impressive 98 per cent of Lincolnshire library users rate the service as good or excellent. Residents visited more than a million times and took out a record breaking 2.3 million items in the last year alone.
More and more residents continue to discover the library service’s digital offer, with its wealth of free digital magazines, newspaper and e-audiobooks that save people money on costly subscription services.
On top of the regular visits, more than 82,000 people flocked to the libraries to enjoy special activities, including costume creator sessions, Lego workshops, family history groups, and more.
Children enjoy a Storytime session at Lincoln Central Library. Photo: GLL
A number of Lincolnshire’s children’s authors have also successfully applied to GLL’s Literary Foundation, benefitting from bursaries, specialist training, and networking opportunities with publishers.
Both the library events programme and the opportunities for local authors will continue to grow over the next five years.
Cllr Natalie Oliver, executive councillor for culture at Lincolnshire County Council, said: "Lincolnshire’s libraries are a real success story and these impressive figures show how loved they are.
“I’m delighted that we have been able to secure the future of a service that residents know and love, whilst ensuring value for money for the local taxpayer.
“With this renewed partnership we will write the next exciting chapter in our libraries’ story. Visitors can look forward to even more incredible events as the service builds stronger links with schools - with activities bringing to life what children are learning in the classroom.
“It’s brilliant that there will also be more opportunities for Lincolnshire’s writers. We have such an incredible wealth of talent across the county, and this support will really help them to kickstart their careers.
“Here’s to the next five years of reading, writing and beyond!”
The libraries’ scope extends beyond the written word, with the sites occupying an increasingly important role in connecting communities, combatting digital exclusion through the provision of free computers and Wi-Fi and providing facilities that support everyone from parent and toddler groups to older residents and business start-ups.
Last year Lincolnshire’s libraries generated more than £25 million in social value – helping to improve quality of life, boosting educational achievement and relieving pressure on medical services.
A Ukulele Group practicing at Sleaford Library. Photo: GLL
Rebecca Gediking, Head of Libraries at GLL said: "We are absolutely thrilled to have been confirmed to continue to operate Lincolnshire's Library Services - and build on the improvements and added value made possible through our successful longstanding partnership with Lincolnshire County Council.
"Our sustainable library service really is 'books and beyond' - there's a huge amount of free support and added value in our libraries with Wi-Fi, digital newspapers, magazines and music platforms, Lego clubs, toddler groups, business and author support - and much, much more."
Find out more about all your local library has to offer on our website. To stay up to date, follow Lincolnshire Libraries on Facebook.
Pictured, left to right: Will Mason, Head of Culture at Lincolnshire County Council (LCC), Cllr Natalie Oliver, Executive Councillor for Culture at LCC, Peter Bundey, Chief Executive at GLL, Louise Egan, Culture Service Manager at LCC, and Phil Donnay, Chief Executive (Designate) at GLL. They are standing in Lincoln Central Library.