Council launches surveys to help shape future of library services

Westmorland and Furness Council has announced the launch of community-wide surveys aimed at gathering feedback on its library services.

The council is inviting everyone, current library users and non-users, adults and children, to share their views on what matters most to them, ensuring that our libraries continue to meet the diverse needs of the community.

This engagement is a key part of the councils work in developing a high-quality, modern library service that is accessible and beneficial to everyone. The insights collected through the survey will play a crucial role in shaping and informing the councils upcoming Library Strategy and Delivery Plan.

Councillor Virginia Taylor, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Sustainable Communities and Localities, said:

“Our libraries are at the heart of our community, offering not just books, but a wide range of services that support learning, creativity, and social connections.

“We want to hear directly from our residents about what they value most and what improvements they would like to see. This feedback will guide us in creating a library service that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of our community."

The council have said the surveys are designed to capture a broad range of opinions and are open to everyone, whether they are regular library users or have not yet experienced what our libraries have to offer. Participants will have the opportunity to provide input on a variety of topics, including the types of services they use and any suggestions for new services or improvements.

There are two surveys, one for adults and one for children, and they can be completed online at:

Adults – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WFlibrarysurvey1

Children – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/wflibrarysurvey2

Paper copies will also be made available at all local libraries. The deadline for responses is Friday 31 January 2025 at 5pm.

Westmorland and Furness Council are encourage everyone to take a few minutes to complete the survey and make their voice heard and help to shape the future of libraries in the district.

The council will also be holding a series of drop-ins across the district with eight planned in the Eden area to allow the public to come along, find out more and ask any questions they may have. 

Dates and locations in the Eden area are as follows:

Wednesday 15 January, Penrith Library, 10am-12pm and 2-5pm

Friday 17 January, Appleby Hub, 10am-12pm

Friday 17 January, Appleby Library 2-5pm

Saturday 18 January, Kirkby Stephen Library, 10am-12.30pm

Friday 24 January, Alston Library, 10am-1pm

Friday 24 January, Lazonby Library Link, 10am-12pm

Friday 24 January, Shap Library Link, 2-4pm

The council will create a draft version of the Library Strategy using feedback and comments from this initial engagement. The council will then invite further comment on the proposed strategy in March 2025.

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