DORSET Council has launched an 11 week public consultation to help shape the future of its library services.

Both library users and non-users are being asked to share their views in the consultation, which will inform how the council will develop library services in the future.

The consultation will run from October 25, 2021, to January 7, 2022, and is available online.

There are currently 23 council-run and eight community-managed libraries in the Dorset Council area and the current library strategy for running these services is 11 years old.

Over those 11 years, there have been significant changes in public behaviour and digital technology, along with the impacts of the Covid pandemic.

The consultation will assess how Dorset Council can best meet the needs of local residents and communities over the next ten years.

Cllr Laura Miller, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for customer and community services, said: “This is an exciting time: we are calling on all residents to help us shape the future of Dorset’s library service. Since the previous library review in 2010, we’ve seen big changes in both public behaviour and digital technology, and it is now time to look to the future of our libraries.

“This initial consultation period will be a conversation with our communities, employees, and partners, to better understand what they need from the service, now and in the future.

“So, 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 – we want to hear from you. Your views will help us to provide a modern relevant and sustainable service, and I encourage everyone to have their say.”

The survey responses will be brought together with evidence around local needs and responses from Dorset Council partners. A draft strategy will then be produced which will be the focus of a second consultation, to be held in summer 2022.

In addition to the main survey, there is a dedicated children’s survey for ages 5-15 years. To find the surveys visit: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/lets-talk-libraries

Support is also available via customer services where a Dorset Council officer can help to fill in the survey over the phone. Call 01305 221 000.

Those who need paper copies of the survey can access these by visiting their local library.