Infrastructure Delivery Plan (Feb 2013) - Runnymede Borough Council
Infrastructure Delivery Plan (Feb 2013) - Runnymede Borough Council
Infrastructure Delivery Plan (Feb 2013) - Runnymede Borough Council
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Libraries<br />
vitality and viability and improve their competitiveness with other shopping facilities and<br />
centres outside the <strong>Borough</strong>.<br />
14.29 Under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964, Surrey County <strong>Council</strong> has a<br />
statutory duty to provide “a comprehensive and efficient library service” for all persons<br />
desiring to make use of it, provided they live, or work, or are in full-time education in the<br />
<strong>Council</strong>’s area 44 .<br />
14.30 The CILIP (Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals) states 45 that a<br />
good library service contributes to:<br />
Existing conditions<br />
• A positive future for children and young people<br />
• A fulfilling life for older people<br />
• Strong safe and sustainable communities<br />
• Promotion of local identity and community pride<br />
• Learning skills and workforce development<br />
• Health improvements and well-being<br />
• Equality, community cohesion and social justice<br />
• Economic regeneration<br />
14.31 In <strong>Runnymede</strong>, library services are managed through SCC. There are 5 libraries within<br />
the <strong>Borough</strong> in Addlestone, Chertsey, Egham, New Haw and Virginia Water. These are<br />
part of a larger network of 52 branch libraries providing a comprehensive service to<br />
residents within Surrey.<br />
14.32 According to Public Library Users Surveys (PLUS) surveys in 2009, the highest<br />
proportion of customers across Surrey with disabilities is at Virginia Water library 46 . The<br />
same survey shows that an average of 5% of respondents at the libraries across<br />
Surrey surveyed had a visual impairment. The highest proportion was at Virginia Water<br />
(7% of respondents). Borrower data also shows that adults aged 65 and over represent<br />
19% of borrowers at Surrey libraries. New Haw has one of the highest proportions of<br />
customers aged 65 and over.<br />
14.33 The library service continues to provide access to education, literacy and lifelong<br />
learning which are all national and local priorities. The provision offered in libraries is<br />
growing and continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of customers.<br />
Increasingly, libraries are required to increase their provision by local councils and the<br />
government and take on new responsibilities, putting a strain on resources and<br />
budgets.<br />
14.34 The library operation manager for SCC has reported that lending areas in all five<br />
libraries in <strong>Runnymede</strong> are in an attractive condition. Addlestone library was refitted<br />
when it co-located into the <strong>Council</strong> Offices in 2008. Egham library has benefitted from a<br />
full refurbishment and Virginia Water, New Haw and Chertsey have been improved by<br />
the joint efforts of SCC and Friends groups who are voluntary supporters of these<br />
libraries.<br />
44<br />
PVR: Surrey Library Service-Community Partnered Libraries cabinet report 24july 2012 (Item 6) pg 6<br />
45<br />
ibid <br />
46<br />
PVR: Surrey Library Service-Community Partnered Libraries cabinet report 24july 2012 (Item 6)<br />
Page | 147<br />
<strong>Runnymede</strong> IDP DRAFT – <strong>Feb</strong>ruary <strong>2013</strong>