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Wiltshire Library Service charges - a summary of the charges can be found online
Rules and regulations
Charges policy
Stock policy
Donated stock policy
Performing Arts Library
Services for under 16s
Safeguarding children
Volunteer policy
Social inclusion
Breastfeeding in libraries
Access policy
Assistance dogs
Display of notices, posters and leaflets
Petitions in libraries
Charity fundraising and collection points
Exhibitions policy
Use of computers
Information and digital services
Wiltshire local studies collection policy
Wiltshire Library Strategy 2025-2030
Introduction
The library strategy for Wiltshire sets out an ambitious direction of travel for the service.
To ensure successful outcomes the library service will use a delivery model based on three key resources - the library buildings, a digital presence and outreach in communities - together with well trained staff and volunteers to provide the best service possible.
"As Cabinet Member for Public Health, Communities, Leisure and Libraries I am delighted to introduce our new Wiltshire library strategy. It is an innovative framework that outlines the library service's vision, purpose, and key areas of focus for the next five years.
This ambitious strategy, developed through extensive dialogue with communities and partners across the county, follows a successful Local Government Association Peer Challenge. It highlights how our libraries serve as vital community spaces where residents can meet, borrow books, use computers, find information and attend events and activities. Our libraries can act as anchors for high street businesses, driving footfall and boosting the local economy. This in turn improves literacy and health outcomes, employment opportunities, and life skills.
I believe the most successful library services are built on a long-term partnership between the library and its stakeholders. Over the next five years, I look forward to seeing our library service innovate and collaborate even more, developing services to support the health, wellbeing and social mobility of everyone who lives, works or studies in Wiltshire."
Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling
Wiltshire Council has a statutory duty to provide a 'comprehensive and efficient library service' for all those who work, live or study in the county as described in the 1964 Libraries Act.
This is delivered through a network of 30 static libraries and three mobile libraries enabling access to books, culture and creative activities, information and digital support, services delivering positive health and wellbeing outcomes and a specific offer for children and young people. All maintained by well trained staff and volunteers in accessible buildings and vehicles. The service also works with large numbers of internal and external partners to deliver shared aims around the health and wellbeing, education and social care agendas.
The library service offer is based on the national Universal Offers Framework of reading, information and digital, health and wellbeing and cultural activity. Developed by Libraries Connected, the sector support organisation for public libraries, the framework reflects the primary aims of library services to support people's wellbeing, life skills and social mobility. Underpinning all aspects of provision is the need for services and facilities to be accessible to those who require additional help to make the most of library services and facilities.
The library service also delivers on the Council's mission, with a particular focus on ensuring residents get the best start in life, have the right skills to prosper, live well together and have vibrant well-connected communities.
Successful recent partnership projects delivering in these areas have included:
Free data SIM cards to ensure those impacted by the cost of living crisis are helped to bridge the digital divide
Hosting Council consultation and community feedback events to better understand the needs and preferences of different community groups, ensuring services are tailored to meet local needs and support the creation of stronger communities
Operating as a community spoke for the Family Hub model to support family engagement and early years development initiatives
Theatre and arts events to maximise the impact of cultural activity across the county
Our vision is for libraries to be trusted spaces at the centre of their local community.
The purpose of Wiltshire Libraries is to:
Deliver free and inclusive access to friendly, welcoming library spaces and reading for pleasure to deliver better health outcomes
Enable people to meet, access books, information and culture, use digital services, and develop their skills to improve social mobility
Act as a Council interface with communities, working with residents and partners to provide a range of interventions and opportunities to build strong and cohesive communities
Be a vibrant high street presence boosting footfall and helping to improve the quality of life for communities
Priorities for the next five years
Wiltshire libraries have six focus areas to guide their work. These have been developed through engagement with the community, library staff, volunteers, council departments and external partners. Work done by Libraries Connected, The Reading Agency, Carnegie Trust and the Council priorities have also helped inform the strategy.
Priority: Ensure empowered and well-trained staff and volunteers are available in welcoming, accessible buildings and vehicles to deliver a first-class library offer that is innovative, understood and reflects the needs of those who use our services.
We do this already by:
Delivering accessible library services for all ages aimed at reducing inequality and promoting social mobility
Recruiting, training and retaining high quality staff and volunteers who know their community to provide the best possible service to customers
Being a visible Wiltshire Council presence in local communities, signposting to services and facilitating other departments to engage with residents of all ages through their local library
Supporting the Council to become a carbon neutral organisation and the ambition to assist the Wiltshire area to be carbon neutral by 2030 through staff training, championing change and signposting to relevant book stock, information and partner organisations
Providing accessible meeting facilities for individuals wishing to meet with council and partner organisations, and for community groups to hold cultural activities
Our ambitions over the next five years are to:
Develop a sustainable network of library buildings and mobile libraries, supported by an efficient and eco-friendly van delivery system. Aiming for carbon neutrality and to refurbish buildings as funding allows
Encourage flexible use of library buildings by their communities through increased access outside of opening hours, either through co-location, a building management system or self-service
Develop a strong marketing strategy promoting the relevance of libraries and encouraging greater use; including the introduction of a newsletter to help promote existing and new services with targeted messaging to non-users especially males aged 20 - 50 & young adults
Deliver services and facilities within the available budget and investigate sources of additional income to help expand service delivery where possible according to evidence based need
Improve the signage and signposting to library buildings to ensure they remain attractive and those new to an area know where to find them
Work towards gaining national accreditation for the library service
Our workforce strategy
As well as recruiting, training, and retaining staff and volunteers to deliver excellent customer service, we prioritise employee wellbeing and recognise our team's contributions.
Our ambitions over the next five years are to:
Commit to investing in skills and training opportunities for those interested in working in a library through work experience, apprenticeships and volunteering
Invest in skills and training opportunities to support career progression within library teams through targeted training and effective succession planning to maintain excellent service standards
Ensure recruitment processes encourage diversity, so the workforce reflects the demographics of local communities
Priority: Build a literate community for all ages through access to books, reading and cultural experiences, supporting people to read for pleasure to improve their wellbeing and knowledge.
We do this already by providing:
Free access to books and reading to support literacy skills and promote the benefits of reading for pleasure for all ages
A curated, accessible, inclusive and relevant collection of books and online resources to meet the needs of the community
A programme of events and activities including those aiming to reduce social isolation and boost the imagination
Local studies books and activities to help people feel part of their community, develop a sense of place and improve their wellbeing
Reading materials for people to access a wide range of information, unlocking opportunities to develop hobbies, ideas to support personal development and for lifelong learning and employment
Support and opportunities for all ages to engage with reading groups; along with reminiscence sessions and the Reading Friends Shared Reading project enabling them to meet with others who share the same interests in literature and local history
Access to partners who offer formal and informal learning opportunities to best support the needs of the local community including the council's Family & Community Learning team and the charity ReadEasy
Our ambitions over the next five years are to:
Finalise and deliver the whole council Reading Strategy being developed with The Reading Agency to engage everyone in the benefits of reading for pleasure and lifelong learning
Expand the cultural offer including a refresh of the Performing Arts collection and build more proactive relationships with theatre groups to offer a wider programme of creative activities
Offer greater opportunities to share reading experiences with others through author talks and innovative ways to engage readers with new authors and genres
Work with our library stock suppliers to ensure book selection and maintenance processes have the lowest possible environmental impact
Explore options to expand reminiscence sessions and other activities to engage individuals who may be experiencing difficulties due to physical/cognitive disabilities or frailty. Enabling them to meet others, overcome loneliness and improve confidence to support a reduction in demand for longer term Adult Social Care support and maximise independence
Build on the work of the Green Libraries initiative, developing a regular programme of environmental events and ensure the use of space outside library buildings is utilised to promote biodiversity and engagement in nature
Consider ways to increase cultural activity in library buildings to boost footfall on high streets and in the post 5pm economy, supporting the council's Cultural Strategy
Priority: Enable access to quality information and digital services, to learn new skills, support employment and improve digital literacy ensuring all have safe, easy access to technology.
We do this already by providing:
A range of information and online resources to support people's study, general enquiries, and signposting when we are unable to provide direct help
Equipment and support to upskill people to get online, especially job seekers, those studying or applying for benefits
Access to free SIMs and mobile data, in partnership with the Good Things Foundation, to people in need via the National Databank scheme
Supportive library staff and volunteers to help customers understand and use new technology through digital support sessions and remain safe online
Well-trained library staff to help those who need assistance engaging with other council departments, charities and local organisations to get the information they need
Community information through the display of posters, leaflets and consultation documents relevant to the local area
Our ambitions over the next five years are to:
Improve the creative digital and cultural offer to encourage more 13 - 19- year-olds to use the library. Developing their confidence and skills in areas such as science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) to support the economy
Grow the range of online resources we provide to ensure we continue to meet customer need, for example by providing eNewspapers
Ensure those without skills or access to the internet are not left unsupported due to the move online by organisations and businesses
Review the use of social media to ensure audiences are communicated with and engaged through the most appropriate channels
Deliver and embed the Wi-Fi printing service, so people can print from their own devices in their local library
Support people to use and access technology to stay in their homes for longer, reducing care costs for the council, in partnership with the Adult Social Care Teams
Train staff and volunteers to provide services and facilities in support of the council's digital strategy
Ensure the Arena website is kept updated to help provide easier access to the catalogue of books and promote the library service offer
Improve study areas for those who want to work away from the office or home, alongside space to use their own devices
Provide training so staff understand the capabilities of AI and other technology developed over the next 5 years and can convey their learning to the public
Priority: Support the health and wellbeing of library users, through books and services that inform, engage and signpost, often in partnership and co-design with other council services including Public Health and local organisations.
We do this already by providing:
Welcoming, accessible, social spaces to meet people and take part in activities to improve their health and wellbeing
Collections of resources including health information, self-help reading and other materials to support people's engagement in improving their health outcomes
Informed staff confident to signpost to health resources and services
Opportunities for promotion of key health messages and continuing to work with Public Health and the NHS to embed delivery of the prevention agenda
Libraries as a community spoke for Family Hubs, so people have local access to parenting advice and guidance
Space in libraries across the county for partner led drop-ins delivering health advice and support
Access to wellbeing reading groups, for example Shared Reading, to encourage reading together to develop the imagination and enjoy the company of others
Volunteering opportunities to help people overcome loneliness, build confidence and make a difference in their community
A warm and welcome winter offer to support those impacted by the cost of living
Our ambitions over the next five years are to:
Increase signposting and guidance to relevant resources to improve health literacy, including access to trusted sources such as the NHS app
Explore opportunities with Adult Social Care to enhance peoples access to information and resources to live longer healthier lives
Offer the opportunity to increase the number of health practitioners and partner organisations to deliver drop-ins and appointments in libraries
Increase staff awareness and provide facilities to support the council's dementia and carers strategies
Improve the library offer to those in or coming home from hospital to access reading material
Priority: Inspire children and young people to enjoy books and read for pleasure from an early age, providing them with materials and activities to enthuse and support their education.
We do this already by providing:
A wide range of books in different formats to help children, from babies to young adults, to read for pleasure and support their educational attainment
Access to regular rhyme times to support the development of speech, communication and language skills in very young children and enable new parents to share similar experiences and develop supportive friendships and networks
A free programme of activities to help reduce the dip in reading skills over the summer holidays, supporting children's reading confidence, skills and learning
Year round free reading programmes, including Story Sharers and Story Adventurers' Club, plus other seasonal and school holiday activities to encourage family book sharing and reading for pleasure
Outreach activities to new parents and families promoting the benefits of library membership through connections with partners including the Registration Service, Children's Services, the Family Hub team, schools and national partners such as Booktrust who provide free book packs for families
Opportunities for school and pre-school pupils to engage via a programme of class visits to libraries aimed at those in areas of deprivation and at key transition points such as starting in reception or going up to secondary school
Access to information and the promotion of library services and specific activities for children, young people and families via the All Together website (opens new window)
Deliver new services to support those who may need additional help to get the best start in life, for example children and young people who are fostered, care experienced, those with SEND, pupils excluded from school or individuals living in areas of deprivation
Develop an offer for children who are home schooled to support them to meet others and benefit from access to resources to support their educational attainment
Improve the designated areas in larger libraries for young people so they are more appealing safe spaces, with a wider range of stock and activities, to encourage them to spend more time in the library experiencing the benefits. This will be developed in collaboration with young people and youth professionals to ensure they meet the needs of the target group
Introduce a simple process to help parents who are carers or work long hours to take out a library membership for their children without having to physically visit the library
Promote library membership through a range of campaigns and with the support of partners at each key stage of a child's development and reading journey, especially aimed at retaining young readers as they transition to secondary school
Priority: Provide an inclusive and welcoming reading and learning environment with access to alternative formats and borrower concessions for all those who need additional support to use the library service.
We do this already by providing:
Concessionary memberships, accessible reading formats and other support for those with physical or sensory disabilities, SEND or caring responsibilities to help ensure equality of access to library services
Library services in rural communities via our mobile libraries (opens new window) and Home Library Service, reaching people in and close to their homes reducing the need to travel to access library services. Along with opportunities to work in partnership to promote the services offered by other council teams
Resources in a range of languages and formats to ensure those who have English as a second language or are unable to use standard format books have access to the materials they need
Volunteering opportunities to help people overcome loneliness, build confidence, gain life skills and make a difference in their community
Access to reading groups for people who have a visual impairment or health condition to encourage reading together to help develop the imagination and enjoy the company of others
Our ambitions over the next five years are to:
Offer greater support for those who need help to access library services and facilities. Working with support groups to ensure library buildings are flexible, inclusive, accessible and meet the needs of those with SEND, autism, memory, sight and hearing loss or have a physical disability
Increase the reach of the Home Library Service so those who are unable to visit in person due to frailty, disability or health conditions still benefit from library services
Support those who wish to transition from using large print and spoken word books on CD to access free library provision of electronic versions
Improve outreach to areas where engagement with libraries is low; through pop up mobile library visits and attendance at community or partner events and local groups
Work with local communities, especially those in areas of deprivation, to ensure library services and accessible spaces are shaped and supported by residents, reflecting local need and improving individual outcomes
Explore opportunities for involvement in social prescribing and bibliotherapy
Develop a community profile for each library highlighting those who would benefit most from engagement in libraries and a plan to deliver this
Work with others involved in supporting refugees, asylum seekers, military families, boaters, Gypsy, Roma, Travellers and care leavers to ensure library services reflect their needs
Next steps
Developing a high-level action plan with measurable outcomes is the next stage in delivering this strategy. This will be incorporated into the annual library service plan and other associated project planning documents.
This strategy is a living document guiding every aspect of library service delivery. It will be embedded within service planning and the individual objectives of all library staff. Progress will be reviewed and communicated to stakeholders on an annual basis.
How can you help?
We can't do all this without you. We want everyone to be able to come together and enjoy the services offered by our libraries. You can help by:
Taking part in conversations about your library to improve what's on offer
Using libraries as your community space
Attending events and activities to grow vibrant communities
