11 June 2011

Residents to be kept informed on future of library service

Residents to be kept informed on future of library service

RESIDENTS have been reassured that they will be kept up to speed on the future of the county’s library service.

Worcestershire County Council has made the pledge after it launched a public consultation last month looking at how the service was run.

The county council confirmed that whilst it is not looking to close libraries, it cannot be ruled out at this stage. Opening hours will also be reduced.

This has led to concerns amongst some residents, many of whom are visiting their local libraries to ask for updates.

Kathy Kirk, Worcestershire County Council strategic libraries and learning manager, said: "We have no doubt that the people of Worcestershire care passionately about the library service and it's great to see so many people taking an interest in their local library.

"Understandably, residents are really keen to know exactly what's going on and make sure they get their voices heard through the consultation.

"We will work with communities, and our colleagues in parish and district councils, as well as the voluntary sector to develop proposals for each library area and then carry out full consultation with the public on those proposals.

"This is a three year programme and we do not have dates for each of these individual consultations yet.”

Reproduced by kind permission of The Bromsgrove Advertiser