The Libraries Consortium (TLC) network consists of 22 local authorities and 321 libraries, offering 8.2m residents access to 7.3 million titles. Through the partnership, we deliver a variety of services through a bespoke approach, tailored to each of the boroughs they work with.

With our courier expertise we facilitate a system where books are moved around boroughs such as the London borough of Lewisham & Surrey county council, enabling various libraries to take advantage of member authorities' stock and resources. Our partnership with The Libraries Consortium has seen over 3,175 deliveries completed for TLC in the past 12 months.

One of the primary objectives of TLC was to increase efficiencies in the delivery of library services across their extensive portfolio. With over 321 library branches, it was crucial TLC have a logistics partner that could manage stock and facilitate efficient deliveries between libraries.

In response, we provided 8 active drivers using ULEZ compliant transit vans to cover the rounds across the London boroughs and 3 dedicated drivers to cover Surrey. This enabled members to choose from the levels of service that aligned with their requirements.

Budgetary considerations

Books and libraries are vital for people’s development and education, as well as for keeping communities connected, so it was important to ensure costs didn’t become a barrier. Historically, negotiated individual contracts had resulted in varying rates being charged across different TLC authorities for courier services, creating additional administrative and logistical pressures.

As the number of authorities within the consortium was likely to increase, it became especially important for TLC to collaborate with a competent logistics partner that could reduce costs associated with transfers and develop a framework to standardise pricing across its authorities. This ensured a fair and cost-effective solution for all parties.

To ensure a quality service is maintained across the libraries consortium, we run a central exchange depot, based in Woodford Green. The exchange depot is best placed to cover all TLC boroughs, with the warehouse capacity being sizeable enough to store and sort books that come in daily.

Monthly review meetings are conducted between the contract manager and The Libraries Consortium, which provide a comprehensive overview of the previous months' trading. Quarterly meetings are held with all 23 members to ensure the current contract works for them and so that we can provide suggestions and enhancements to ensure the contract moves in the right direction.

Impact and results

CitySprint have completed 3,175 deliveries for TLC in the past 12 months. Of these, 94% are permanent bookings that are regular weekly runs and 6% are ad-hoc bookings. The partnership has brought to life a sustainable and efficient system where books are moved around the boroughs, enabling other libraries to take advantage of member authorities' stock and resources.