Deadline looms for library consultation
Residents and organisations in Shropshire have just over two weeks to give their feedback on the draft Library Services Strategy.
The strategy sets out Shropshire Council’s vision to unlock the huge potential that library services have to impact positively on individuals’ lives.
It also recognises that library services are facing a challenging time. Traditional usage has been declining in recent years and the way that people use library services is shifting while the financial situation remains difficult.
The strategy sets out a hierarchy of library services provision and describes how the council can meet its statutory requirements to provide a “comprehensive and efficient library service for all persons” by providing static library provision within six Tier 1 locations – library hubs – and seven Tier 2 locations – community libraries.
There would also be 277 mobile library stops, principally responding to challenges of an ageing population and access to services in rural areas and there would be improved digital library services including 24-hour access to a range of lending and information resources.
Lezley Picton, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture and leisure, said: “There’s already been a good level of response to the draft strategy, but we are keen to take on board as many views as possible. From the feedback received so far we have already seen how the strategy can be improved so I urge everyone to take the opportunity to get involved.”
To take part in the survey go to https://shropshire.gov.uk/ and click on the Get Involved page. Paper copies of the survey are also be available from libraries and mobile libraries. The survey closes on October 6.
