The Library Service Transformation Programme

The Library Service Vision

The Council is committed to developing and improving its library services to bring them up to the best 21st Century standards and to reflect the diverse needs of its users. Through the Library Service Transformation Programme (LSTP) the plan is to make a step change in improving the quality of our services

We have been working with architects Building Design Partnership (BDP) to develop exciting plans for the refurbishment of the Central Library. We have also been consulting with our community on what their needs are for an effective and innovative library service. We ran a major consultation event with plans and models of the proposed refurbishment in September 2008 and focus groups earlier on in the year.

The Council feels that given the current economic climate it was not the right time to commit to major public expenditure so the plans for the refurbished building have been postponed. This will be reviewed later this year. We can assure you that all public comments are still on file and are being considered. There will be a newsletter detailing our response and proposed changes issued at the beginning of March.

The Library Service Transformation Programme involves a lot more than the new Central Library. In the meantime we are working hard to bring innovative ideas and design to all of our libraries to ensure that we are giving our users the best possible service. We have improved our stock purchase processes so that books arrive on the shelves quicker and we get more books for our money, we are investigating self issue and the introduction of new technologies to improve communication. Computers for public use have already been replaced. We are also considering the refurbishment of branch libraries and an improvement in overall signing in all of our libraries

Jane Battye, Head of Library Services for the Kensington and Chelsea Council

Contact us

If you would like to learn more about the improvements to your library service or have any comments on the service or the refurbishment of the Central Library then please email library.refurbishment@rbkc.gov.uk