THERE is now just under two weeks for people to have their say on the future of libraries as part of Worcestershire County Council’s public consultation.
The authority is looking to save £800,000 from the budget of the popular service.
A Libraries’ Transformation programme was launched by the Council 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, making changes to the Mobile Library service, streamlining staff and management structures, investing in self-service technology and modernising stock buying and delivery.
The savings are needed due to new financial challenges such as the drain on the authority’s resources caused by its ballooning adult social care service.
Coun Lucy Hodgson (Con, Malvern Chase), Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “We’ve had more than 1,200 responses so far to the consultation which is great.
“We also had around 800 people come along to our drop-in sessions at each of our libraries that we visited before and after Christmas.
“With only two weeks to go, if you haven’t already taken part in the consultation, then please make sure you do so you can have your say on the future of our libraries.”
As the financial pressures grow on the county council, libraries must continue to evolve in order to provide modern services for residents and ensure value for money.
To take part in the consultation visit Worcestershire County Council online and look for the libraries review.
The closing date is Thursday, February 28.
