Suffolk Libraries CEO requests county council 'listen to reason' as takeover decision looms

Why it matters: Hours before Suffolk County Council's cabinet meets to decide on taking the library service back in-house, Suffolk Libraries is highlighting what it claims Suffolk residents will lose under council management.

The big picture: The charity has run Suffolk's libraries for 12 and a half years and claims the takeover would jeopardise nearly £2.5m in annual financial benefits and numerous innovative services.

By the numbers: Suffolk Libraries says its charity status delivers substantial financial advantages:

• £690,000 contributed by Friends' groups for furniture, equipment and refurbishments

• £150,000 yearly from running prison libraries

• £500,000 in rates relief due to charity status

• Nearly £100,000 raised annually through fundraising

• Almost £1m yearly in grant funding only available to charitable organisations

What they're saying: "We urge Suffolk County Council to listen to reason, to stand by its stated mission 'to make a positive difference for Suffolk', and 'striving to improve, and securing the best possible services'," said Bruce Leeke, CEO of Suffolk Libraries.

He pleaded: "Ensure the people of Suffolk continue to benefit from the outstanding library service which has been heralded as the benchmark for excellence within the industry. Please don't make such an important decision based on flawed figures which so many Suffolk residents are clearly opposed to."

Beyond the money: Suffolk Libraries warns that several services may not continue under council control:

• Arts Council funded programmes

• Health and wellbeing projects such as Menopause & Me and Moving Minds

• Community-led initiatives including Men Can Talk and LGBTQIA+ groups

• The Be Kind to a Kid Christmas toy appeal that donated over 6,000 toys to families in need

The volunteer factor: In 2023-24, over 1,200 volunteers provided 35,500 volunteering hours to the service. The charity says many volunteers "have already stated that they will not continue if the library service is run by the county council."

For context: Suffolk Libraries has achieved numerous industry innovations, including:

• First library service with a dedicated wellbeing team

• One of the first to offer libraries as warm spaces during the cost-of-living crisis

• First to loan eReader devices to customers

• First to develop its own self-service technology, saving around £100,000

The bottom line: With growing opposition from local residents, MPs, backbench councillors and other key stakeholders, Suffolk Libraries is making a final appeal for the county council to "return to the negotiating table" before the cabinet makes its decision.