YORK LIBRARY PARTNERSHIP HAILED AS MODEL FOR THE FUTURE (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

YORK LIBRARY PARTNERSHIP HAILED AS MODEL FOR THE FUTURE

March 30, 2010 12:00 AM

City of York Council's work with Aviva to improve the city's libraries has been hailed a model of good practice in working with the private sector in a new Government review of library services.

The Modernisation Review of Public Libraries was published last week by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and urges local authorities to look at 'a radical approach to new partnerships' with the public and private sector.

The review highlights the partnership between City of York Council and Aviva as an example of such a partnership. Aviva and City of York Council have teamed up to fund the £540,000 transformation of York Central Library into an Explore Centre.

The partnership has also seen the Learn and Thrive financial education programme run in libraries across the city, thanks to support from Aviva and it's staff.

Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Social Inclusion, Councillor Nigel Ayre welcomed the Government's recognition of the partnership between City of York Council and Aviva.

He said, "Our partnership with Aviva has already delivered some real benefits to the library service, the Learn and Thrive project has been very popular and has added a new dimension to the offer available from our libraries."

"Aviva's contribution to the transformation of the Central Library has been vital in delivering what will be a fantastic facility when it opens later this the year."

"The increase in visitor numbers to Acomb and New Earswick Explore Centres has shown how people respond when libraries provide a range of facilities that meet the needs of the local community."

"The facilities at our libraries and Explore Centres have made libraries accessible and useful to more people and I am glad that the Government is recognising the good work that has been going on in York."