Library contributions are sought to improve, enhance and extend the facilities or services of local libraries where local housing development will mean an expected increase in numbers of people using those facilities. The contributions secured will only be spent at libraries that are directly affected by the development. Flexibility in the obligation is required to ensure that WCC can mitigate the impact of a development as it becomes apparent, this could include multiple libraries or mobile libraries for example.
WCC provides mobile and home library services in some areas, where development is likely to impact these services, part or all of the contribution will be used to ensure these services are available to residents of new development.
If the nearest library to the development is a Community Managed Library (CML) then a percentage of the contribution secured will be passed to the CML to ensure that these libraries are not adversely impacted by development.
The improvements may include:
- purchase of additional stock
- targeted collections
- additional seating/study spaces or related facilities
- improved family facilities
- targeted promotions to inform new residents of services available to them
- workshops and events hosted by the local library
A contribution request will be made if the number of dwellings is 25 or more.
The calculation that will be applied is:
- average % of residents who are members of the library within the county x number of expected inhabitants of development x cost per visit