PUBLIC LIBRARY CONSULTATION
The Library Service is about to embark on a public consultation with the residents of Northumberland to help decide the future of library services provided by Northumberland County Council. This will cover both branch libraries and the mobile library service across the county as a whole.
The Library Service needs to be redesigned to
- clearly identify it’s priorities for future provision, ensuring that it is a ‘comprehensive and efficient’ service
- determine the most effective way of delivering those priorities based on evidenced and agreed need
- deliver the national framework of Universal Offers pertinent to local needs and wants
- contribute more directly to the County Council’s vision “To make Northumberland a county which you regard as a great place to live, and in which you can access the things you enjoy, whilst having the opportunity to learn and thrive”
We will be seeking the views of users and non users alike – to understand how they use the library service at the moment; what services are important to them; what are the barriers that prevent them from using it and how we can improve these services in the future.
Whilst it is envisaged that there will be a digital core to the service with a number of hub libraries that will offer the full range of services that contribute to the Universal Offers, we need to test out opinion on the whole of the service provision and community appetite for involvement.
There will be a media campaign to raise awareness of the consultation that will run from 18th December 2019 to 18th March 2020.
During this time, there will be a drop in information session at each library.
- 14 Jan – Alnwick 9-12
- 14 Jan – Wooler 1-4.30
- 16 Jan Berwick 1-5 17 Jan Widdrington 10 – 12 Corbridge 2-4 18 Jan 19 Jan 20 Jan Guidepost 10-12.30 Morpeth 2-6
- 24 Jan Berwick 10-2
The consultation will include a questionnaire that will be available online, see link below, and in paper format from libraries with reply paid envelopes for our Home and Mobile library customers.
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/NCCLibraryConsultation
We have also created an email address, libraries.consult@northumberland.gov.uk, to receive submissions from groups.
Where there are specific concerns, we will attend interest group meetings. Findings from the consultation will form the basis of a report to Cabinet. We welcome your support to raise awareness of the consultation and encourage participation within your communities. If you require any further information, please contact Alison Peaden, Library Services Manager – details as follows: tel: 07966326743 or email alison.peaden@northumberland.gov.uk
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