PEOPLE are being encouraged to have their say on the future of libraries in Redditch, Alvechurch and Wythall at a series of scheduled drop-ins.
It comes as Worcestershire County Council looks to make savings of £800,000 in its libraries budget.
Councillor Lucy Hodgson, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “We’re visiting every library in the county to speak to people and hear their views.
“I’d encourage anyone who uses their local library to come along and have a chat with us.
“We want to hear your great ideas and they will shape how libraries are run in the future. These are drop-in sessions so there’s no need to book, just turn up.”
Cash-strapped Worcestershire launched a Libraries’ Transformation programme in 2011 which has seen more than £3.7million of efficiency savings made through community support for libraries, sharing library buildings with other local services, changing the Mobile Library service, streamlining staff and management structures, investing in self-service technology and modernising stock buying and delivery.
However to balance the books this change needs to continue in response to new financial challenges, developments in technology and changing customer needs and expectations.
Options for modernising library services include the introduction of ‘open libraries’ which use self-service machines, meaning people can still access all services at their local library and they can stay open longer.
The county is currently holding a public consultation on its library service and people can access it by visiting this web address: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/libraries.
Paper copies are also available at all libraries.
The drop-in sessions for members of the public are as follows:
Monday, Dec 10 from 10am to 12noon Redditch Central Library, Redditch and 1pm to 3pm Woodrow Library, Woodrow Centre.
Wednesday, Dec 19 from 10am to 12noon, Woodrush Community Hub, Shawhurst Lane, Wythall.
Friday, Dec 21 from 10am to 12noon, Rubery Library, 7 Library Way,Rubery and 1pm to 3pm Alvechurch Library, Birmingham Road, Alvechurch.
For a full list of the library drop-in sessions and the dates and times go to www.worcestershire.gov.uk and follow the links.
