Leicestershire County Council is set to agree to transfer libraries in Braunstone Town and Narborough to local groups and is close to agreement on Mountsorrel library.
Councillor Richard Blunt, cabinet member for libraries, said: “I’m pleased that we’ve been able to work with the community to find a way forward for the Braunstone Town and Narborough libraries and have also made positive progress with Mountsorrel.
“I have always said that I want all 36 libraries to succeed. The first 16 groups to take over libraries are making a real success of it, by hosting a wide range of activities and extending opening hours.”
The council is working to transfer up to 36 libraries to communities, to save £580,000 per year. It had consulted people in Braunstone Town , Narborough and Mountsorrel on a possible mobile library replacement service, as initial community bids did not meet its criteria.
However, following further talks which led to revised submissions, the council is set to agree to transfer Braunstone Town library to the Fabula Social Enterprise group and Narborough library to a community group.
Cabinet will consider the Braunstone Town and Narborough submissions when it meets at 2pm on Tuesday, April 19. The agenda is available online and the meeting will be webcast, live .
The council has also received a revised submission from the Mountsorrel Library Partnership, which is being further considered by officers and members. Consultation is taking place on options for Kirby Muxloe library and a progress report will be submitted to cabinet in September.
So far, just one library – Barwell – is facing possible closure, after a group withdrew its bid. However, the cabinet has pledged to consider any alternative bid to run the library that is proposed within the next 12 months.