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How will we implement the strategy?

We will deliver our strategic priorities through both council-managed libraries and community-managed libraries:

All Council operated libraries will deliver a core offer - Literacy and Reading, Culture and Creativity and Digital & Economic Improvement. 

All libraries, including community-operated libraries (and our volunteer-led home library service), will deliver on our Health and Wellbeing priority through a targeted approach, sometimes with external partners.

We have developed an action plan to deliver intended improvements across the four strategic priorities. We will update this plan annually and let you know how we are doing.

We will transform our spaces and facilities to support the ambition of this strategy

  • Resources which foster digital and AI inclusion
  • Buildings and spaces that are welcoming and fit for purpose
  • A workforce that seeks to welcome, support and inspire visitors.

Legal requirements

The London Borough of Bexley has a statutory responsibility (a duty set out by law) to provide a local library service in accordance with the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964.

The Act requires each local authority to provide a library service that is “comprehensive and efficient for those that live, work or study in the area”. It is for local decision how the library service best meets this requirement practically, including how many libraries there are, where they are, when they are open, and what each one offers.