GB-Shrewsbury: DMCV 002 - Church Stretton Library Service

Details of current provision. Church Stretton Library is currently located at Church Street, Church Stretton, Shropshire SY6 6DQ. The library provides access to the full range of library services. There are free computer facilities with internet access and printing, plus a selection of digital library resources. There is a Local History collection of reference and lending material, supported by a team of volunteers. Regular library events include 'Rhyme Times' for children, 'Time to Listen' story sessions for adults and author talks. There is a team of volunteers who deliver library books to housebound readers. Future library provision will need to be delivered within the town of Church Stretton but is not conditional on its existing location within the town.

Our Requirements: The Council is seeking a Contractor to deliver a library service in Church Stretton. The term of the Contract will be 3 years with an option to extend for a further 2 years. Our requirement is that Shropshire Council funding for this Contract should reduce over the Contract term; Tenderers are required to put forward proposals detailing how Shropshire Council funding will be fully or partially replaced, whilst at the same time sustaining a viable library service. Any future vision for the library should ensure the library remains a key part of the community in Church Stretton. This would include strengthening links with all key partners within the town, working towards local priorities as well as wider library service aims. Church Stretton library provision will remain within the overall Shropshire Libraries network, with ongoing support from Shropshire Council in the form of library IT systems, stock and professional librarian input. Like most other libraries Church Stretton library is facing challenges to many of its traditional functions. Future provision would recognise this and will take advantage of the many new opportunities that are emerging. This would include digital opportunities and making creative use of free Wi-Fi.There are also opportunities related to the growing role of libraries as a source of information and activity related to Health and Well-being. National funding for libraries from Arts Council England also presents new opportunities for creative arts projects and partnerships, to add to the already vibrant cultural offer that is driven by the library. The library is staffed by a staff group employed by Shropshire Council and applicants should note that it is considered that the Employee 'Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations '2006 ('TUPE') will apply to this contract. Also compliance with the provisions The Best Value Authorities Staff Transfers (Pensions) Direction 2007, in relation to the Local Government Pension Scheme (as administered by Shropshire County Pension Fund) will also be required. Applicants are advised to seek their own legal advice about the practicality of these regulations

Additional information: The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement.