The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A non-profit organisation is the preferred candidate to run Lincolnshire’s restyled library service from next April.
County council officers are recommending that Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) be awarded the contract when the executive meets to take a decision on December 1.
If approved, GLL would take on the running the county’s 15 major libraries, along with online services and specialist support for those unable to reach their nearest library.
Coun Nick Worth, executive member for libraries, said: “All the finalists submitted good bids, but officers believe our best option is to outsource our library services to GLL.
“We’ve worked hard to get the best possible deal, and are confident that GLL can provide both significant savings and improved performance.”
In April, the council had to begin a search for an external organisation to potentially deliver these services on its behalf, following an approach by GLL. It received six applications, with GLL, Vision and Vivacity being shortlisted.
Coun Worth said: “In the meantime, we continue to work with local groups to get the new community hubs up and running. Eighteen have already opened their doors to the public, with a further 16 on the way.
“I’m sure the end result of all this hard work will be a new and improved library service that not only provides better value for money, but is also better suited to the 21st century.”
GLL would also help support the library services delivered at around 30 community hubs that are being developed in partnership with local groups.
