Decision relating to the nomination of Wimborne Library

Community Right to Bid – Wimborne Library, 24 West Street, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 1J

The council has decided to list Wimborne Library as an asset of community value having considered the various tests required under the relevant legislation. Our decision is as follows:  

1. the asset is within the council’s administrative area. This satisfies the legal requirement under Section 88 of The Localism Act, 2011 (The Act)
2. Wimborne Library is not an asset that is exempt from listing as an asset of community value as set out in The Assets of Community Value (England) Regulations, 2012, (The Regulations), Schedule 1
3. the nomination is validly made by The Friends of Wimborne Library, an unincorporated body with at east 21 members and with a local connection that does not distribute any surplus it makes to its members under Section 89 of The Act and Regulation 4 of The Regulations
4. The council considers that Wimborne Library satisfies the requirements of Section 88 (1) (a) of The Act, because the current non-ancillary use furthers the social wellbeing or social interests of the local community

Evidence provided in the nomination and supporting information that Wimborne Library currently:

• plays a valuable part in community life allowing people to come together, learn, communicate and grow as individuals – making it an essential hub of the town (Wimborne)
• acts as a hub for educational purposes where people can improve various skills, including IT from the Library’s Digital Champions, playreading and Giggle Wriggle storytime, iPad and Tablet Café, U3A Pastels Art Group
• provides a central meeting place for groups and individuals such as University of the Third Age, Reminiscence Group, Chess Club, GlowWorms reading group and Bookchat Reading group, Lego Club, Creation Station, Calling all Crafters and Knit n’Natter
• provides weekly and monthly social activities targeted by the library at pre-school groups and older people. Examples are the storytime groups, Creation Station and Just Jigsaw and the Reminiscence Group
• is also used as a display venue for the local community with displays ranging from arts, crafts and other exhibitions

5. The council also considers that Section 88 (1)(b) of The Act has also been satisfied, as it is also realistic to think that there can continue to be non-ancillary use of the building or other land which will further (whether or not in the same way) the social wellbeing or social interests of the community. This is because, there is no indication that the library will close or that current activities will cease in the foreseeable future

Taking all of the above into account, it is therefore the council’s decision to list Wimborne Library on the basis that its non-ancillary use is to further the social interests and social wellbeing of the local community. This is because the library provides valuable learning resources in terms of library skills and lifelong learning as well as recreational and social support. The council considers that it caters for a diverse cross-section of the local community across all ages, reducing social isolation, addressing disadvantage, protecting vulnerable groups, addressing cultural activities and supporting educational attainment.