Novel scheme will see libraries become 'vibrant hubs' in £5m project

Two-year action plan is drawn up after public consultation

- Kerry Ashdown

PLANS to transform Staffordshire's libraries into 'vibrant community hubs' have been welcomed by council leaders.

The county's 43 libraries, which include 27 community-managed facilities, already offer a range of services, from advice and support to computer access, alongside books.

Now the county council's Reform UK administration has set out a vision to improve Staffordshire's libraries further, following a public consultation at the end of last year.

The authority has allocated around £5 million towards changing the library service, and cabinet members backed a new strategy last week.

Councillor Hayley Coles, cabinet member for communities and culture, told fellow cabinet members: "This strategy is a shift in how we see library spaces in Staffordshire. We're going to make them into vibrant community hubs over the next two years.

"It has been a strategic review on everything from furniture to how we interact in that space.

"It's about where people learn, connect and access support and services in a space and feel part of a community.

"At a time when many councils are cutting libraries, we're choosing to protect and strengthen them.