36 Opportunities


Benefits of being a library service run by a charitable trust include the ability to access funding that local authority services can’t; our agile working; and the increased level of autonomy for colleagues across the organisation.


Our efficient business model means that we operate with a low cost-base, assisted by charitable status and business rates relief that helps reduce our operating costs further.


Photos (from page 34, left to right): Fulwell Cross Library, Barkingside; Lab Central Digital Makerspace; Coding workshop at Fabula Festival; Performance at Redbridge Central Library; Death Positive Library display


Our diverse range of services and facilities enables us to generate income and provide further subsidies to the culture and libraries budget beyond the funding available through the local authority.


On sites where there are leisure and library services co-located, we have integrated the roles to provide a more joined


up service. There are opportunities to share expertise, ideas and resources with colleagues across the Trust’s services to develop some really dynamic outreach projects to reach new audiences.


As a trust, we are not constrained by the same procurement and decision-making rules that colleagues in Local Authority Services are under, which has allowed us to be more agile and innovative.


Challenges


 Post-pandemic recovery, such as getting library usage back to pre-pandemic levels


 Further reductions to library budgets, as well as rising costs


 Cost-of-living crisis


 Culture & leisure services contract with Redbridge ends in 2026


 Recruitment and retention of staff.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56