Next week's Executive meeting will review proposals on the future operation of Yorks's libraries and archive.
If the draft paper is agreed, the procurement process to appoint a new operator for both services will begin in order to meet the deadline of 31 March 2019, when the contract with existing library providers Explore Libraries and Archive Mutual will expire.
The new contract, for a total of £31m in order to run the services over the next 15 years, will maintain the existing level of funding despite severe budget pressures, again confirming the Conservative-led administration's commitment to providing quality services for all areas of York.
Following on from a successful city- wide consultation which ended in February, key proposals to be included in the new service contract include:
* Maintaining the city centre York Explore library as the service's flagship centre,
including the archives and local history centre
*Developing Explore Library Learning Centres for areas with the greatest need- the new
Burnholme Centre, Acomb Explore and in the Clifton area.
*Creating and enhancing a series of Explore Gateways at a variety of venues, potentially
including cafés and other community amenities, including the ability of the space to be
used for other local needs
* Introducing an online virtual library service providing 24/7 access to e books and
e magazines
A total of £147k will also be set aside for the refurbishment of library buildings and mobile libraries.
Conservative Deputy Group Leader Tony Richardson said: "Conservatives are committed to maintaining frontline services in York and library services are part vital part of these. They provide such valuable resources, especially for those young people who might be lacking books, or a computer, or a quiet place to study, at home.
"As York residents we treasure our libraries and our extensive archives. We owe it to everyone to safeguard their future and to help them meet today's calls on their services with confidence- exactly why we're proposing to maintain existing funding levels in the new contract."