As part of our commitment to deliver the best quality of life in Britain, we have two key priorities that underpin all aspects of our work: putting the customer first and delivering value for money. 

We also recognise that these priorities are not distinct. Achieving true value for money is not just about cost savings, it is about getting the most for residents from the resources available. To meet these aims in the current financial climate we need to be more innovative and entrepreneurial than ever, and that is why we have established an Essex Libraries Trading Arm that can provide a range of different delivery vehicles for public library services.

Essex County Council Libraries is well recognised for the quality of its library services. Our innovative approach and pursuit of quality has ensured the delivery of consistently high-quality library services. Over time, the innovative Essex model of delivery has been developed to meet residents’ changing needs and to ensure libraries play a central role in delivering the council’s wider agenda.

With a strong library team and excellent reputation in the sector, Essex is well placed to bring a range of service offerings and systems that can customised to suit individual situations. 

What we do

• we bring experience as a high-performing, innovative service to achieve real improvements in library services
• we use our experience, expertise, knowledge and staff skills across a whole range of library functions to deliver benefits to residents, partners and stakeholders
• we draw on experience and understanding of the political environment to quickly identify and deliver key benefits to the client authority
• we provide significant savings through our economies of scale
• we create systems that deliver efficiencies for our own and other services
• we advise on the necessary governance and legislation relating to the provision of library services on behalf of other authorities