LCC - Library Services

Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) is re-procuring its Library Services contract and is seeking a partner, that has the knowledge, skills and experience, to run and manage those services on the Council’s behalf.

The contract shall be for an initial period of Five (5) years commencing 1st April 2026, with option to extend for a further Five (5) years with a total potential duration of Ten (10) years.

LCC has a statutory obligation to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service for all persons who live, work or study in Lincolnshire.

The services within the contract will broadly cover the following services:

• Core Library Services
• Community Library Support Services
• Rural Library Services
• Contracted Services (Prison and Schools)
• Associated IT (hardware and software)

This opportunity will be run as a Competitive Procedure with Negotiation in accordance of the requirements of section 29 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015

Full details of the selection and award process will provided in the procurement documentation which is available via the Councils ProContract e-Sourcing Portal Opportunities (due-north.com)

Lincolnshire County Council has circa 5000 employees, working as ‘One Council’ to deliver on 4 key priorities:

• High aspirations
• The opportunity to enjoy life to the full
• Thriving environments
• Good-value council services

Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) is re-procuring its Library Services contract and is seeking a partner, that has the knowledge, skills and experience, to run and manage those services on the Council’s behalf. This is a 10-year contract to start April 2026.

LCC has a statutory obligation to provide a comprehensive and efficient library services for all persons who live, work or study in Lincolnshire.

The services within the contract will broadly cover the following services:

• Core Library Services
• Community Library Support Services
• Rural Library Services
• Contracted Services (Prison and Schools)
• Associated IT (hardware and software)

The service will need to be:

• Modern; providing world-class access to its services both online and through digital technology.
• Sustainable; a network of sustainable library buildings offering opportunities for life-long learning and access to information.
• Strong; helping communities to help themselves by supporting the continued development of Community Libraries with training, advice and resources.
• Engaged; promoting the benefits of reading and learning.
• Supportive; providing a range of specialist support to people who have difficulty reaching libraries, including without limitation the Home Library Service and Listening Lincs.

The Council envisages with a 10 year contract, starting in April 2026. This will follow a period of transition from the existing provider. To reflect a long-term agreement a maximum value range of £80,000,000 has been agreed; the Council does not guarantee that this value will be made available over the term and is intended to be indicative at this stage.

This procurement is being structured to allow the Council's key partner authorities in the Greater Lincolnshire region to have the option to enter into a Contract for Library Services with the Service Provider if they should wish too on the basis of this Contract Notice. The Contract will be structured in a form to allow North East Lincolnshire Council and North Lincolnshire Council to exercise the option to contract directly with the Service Provider for some or all of the Services and other services delivered by them in exercise of their functions through a Deed of Accession. There are no plans for this to happen currently.