Dorset's libraries to be split into three categories of services
But the Council's new 'strategy' won't see any sites closing
Dorset's libraries are to be split into three categories of services - but none will be closing in the next 10 years.
The Council's approved a new 'strategy' for libraries, which they're calling a 'fresh approach to delivering services'.
There'll still be 23 libraries in the county run by the authority, and from April 2024, they'll be under the Library, Library Plus and Library Connect categories.
The breakdown
The Library sites will be open 18 hours per week and would serve the same purpose as now - a 'core offer' and lending books and resources.
They'll be based at:
- Beaminster
- Corfe Mullen
- Crossways
- Lyme Regis
- Lytchett Matravers
- Sturminster Newton
- Upton
- Verwood
- West Moors
- Wyke Regis
Library Plus sites will be open 30 hours per week and offer 'enhanced core services' with additional features like sensory equipment and business support sessions amongst others.
They'll be located at:
- Gillingham
- Littlemoor
- Portland
- Shaftesbury
- Sherborne
- Swanage
- Wareham
- Wimborne
Library Connect will be the top level of services, open for 42 hours a week as a 'hub with co-located partners' offering things like a repair café, customer services points for Dorset Council staff, and a tea and coffee area.
They'll be based at:
- Blandford
- Bridport
- Dorchester
- Ferndown
- Weymouth
Dorset Council admit Blandford and Ferndown need extra investment before they're ready to be part of the strategy though.
There's a full breakdown of the opening hours for each library on the authority's website. |newtab)
The strategy's been drawn up following two public consultations and engagement workshops, that attracted 12,000 responses for local people.
Cllr Laura Beddow, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture and Communities, said:
“We are delighted that our new library strategy has been approved, with councillors giving great feedback on our vision for the future of our library service.
"It is an ambitious strategy informed by the views of residents and by customer need that will not result in any closures, instead enhancing Dorset’s libraries for the future.
"Residents have made it perfectly clear that libraries are at the heart of their communities and this strategy really reflects that.
The conversation doesn’t end here. We will continue to work with our communities and listen to their views on our strategy.”