Expressions of interest sought to take on the running of Raunds Library

17 May 2022

As part of the Council’s Community Managed Libraries Programme, North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) have been working to find a viable solution to enable the transfer of Raunds Library into community management.

As an interim measure, in order to keep the Library open for the local community, the Council has worked closely with a volunteer group who have been occupying the library premises under a Tenancy at Will.

Before any final decisions are made and to ensure that the best possible service is secured for the local community going forwards, North Northamptonshire Council is putting out a call for any final expressions of interest to take on the running of Raunds Library as a Community Managed Library, under an agreed service level agreement.

The offer is as follows:

The Council will provide and maintain:

• access to the Library Management System in order to run a public library lending system as part of the countywide library offer, enabling customers to borrow and return stock at any library
• public computer providing internet access for the public via the People’s Network
• Self Service Kiosk
• book stock on the day of transfer and an ongoing supply of new stock, which remains the property of the Council
• training and ongoing support for volunteers and staff running the Community Library through a team of Community Managed Library Co-Ordinators

The Community Managed Library will need:

• to cover the costs of buying or leasing the library premises so that it can be run as a library, or to provide alternative premises that can be run as a library
• to cover the costs of running the premises
• all staffing and or volunteers to provide at least 12 opening hours a week for the public library

Libraries provide important services for local people and continue to be a valued hub within our communities. I would like to thank the volunteers who have kept the library running in this interim period and we will continue to offer our support until a solution is found.

The last couple of years have been difficult for many – particularly community groups who have seen demand for their services increase as a result of the pandemic, however we hope that this unique opportunity will spark interest and enable the local community to continue to benefit from a dedicated library service.Cllr Helen Howell, the Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Sport, Leisure, Culture and Tourism

Libraries are important community assets and I’m delighted that we’re moving closer to finding a solution that allows this library to be managed by the local community.Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council

Anyone interested in exploring the offer further is asked to submit an Expression of Interest by email to [email protected] by 5pm on Tuesday 31 May 2022.