Have your say on the future of Dorset's libraries in second phase of consultation
We're being asked to comment on a strategy suggesting what services libraries should offer
Dorset Council has launched the second phase of public consultation to inform how they develop and deliver the library service in the future, and we are being asked to share our views.
The council say libraries are at the heart of Dorset’s communities and provide highly valued services, including book lending, activities and events, reading groups, skills and learning, health and wellbeing, information provision, digital access and support, and art and cultural exhibitions.
There are 23 council-run and eight community-managed libraries in the Dorset Council area.
The current library strategy is 11 years old and this consultation seeks to look to the future of Dorset’s libraries – how can they best meet the needs of local residents and communities, now and over the next ten years.
Over 7,500 responses were received in the first phase of public consultation, which ended earlier this year. Consultation responses have shaped a new draft Dorset Council library strategy with the mission: To Inspire, Connect and Enable communities through the library service.
Cllr Laura Beddow, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture, Communities and Customer Services said:
“We are calling upon all residents, businesses, partners and employees to have their say in this second phase of public consultation. Informed by views shared in phase one, the draft strategy identifies a range of services that the library service could deliver, some that we already deliver, some that we need to develop or expand and some entirely new services.
"We now need to refine the strategy and we need you to help us prioritise and explore what delivery could look like in your communities.
"We want to hear from everyone, whether you are an active library user, if you have visited our libraries in the past, or if you have not visited one of our libraries before. Your views will help us to provide a modern, relevant, and sustainable service, and I encourage everyone to have their say.”
The survey will run for 12 weeks and will close on Thursday 22 December 2022.
Survey responses will help to refine the draft strategy before it is presented to Dorset Council's Cabinet for sign off in Spring 2023.