We’re delighted to announce that Sheffield City Council have agreed to continue funding the volunteer libraries for a further three years after our present agreement runs out in March 2017. Funding for 2017/2018 will remain at its present level, reducing to 80% and 70% in years 2 and 3 (although it is not clear how this reduction will be split across the libraries). Also, provision of the Library Management System, the “People’s Network” and other IT infrastructure will continue to be provided free of charge at least until 2019 when the council’s current contract with IT provider Capita expires. There’s also provision for a “grant pot” and money for buying new books.
This is obviously great news and a huge encouragement. It recognises the fantastic work that the volunteers at the 11 associate libraries across Sheffield have done over the last two years, and gives us real hope of building our own community presence and fundraising program to ensure our financial viability in the longer term.