Residents, businesses and community groups in Seaton are being invited to give their views about library services in the village.
Cumberland Council is launching an informal engagement exercise to hear directly from the Seaton community about its local library services. The exercise forms part of the Libraries Fit for the Future programme, which aims to make sure library services meet current and future needs.
The council wants to build on information already gathered by talking directly with the Seaton community about how local library services are currently used, what people value most and what could encourage more residents to use them.
This is an informal engagement exercise, and the feedback will help the council better understand local needs, including views on opening hours, services, facilities and activities, and explore how the library can work more closely with the community and other local organisations.
This exercise follows on from the completion of the Strategic Needs Assessment, which was published in June, and was produced on the back of a wide-ranging engagement programme which took place last year. More than 1,500 people participated in the survey and attended workshops and drop-in sessions to give their views on library services.
People can take part in a number of ways, including via an online survey which can be accessed from the council website, a paper version which can be obtained from the library and the opportunity to attend drop-in sessions. The engagement period runs until Monday 30 November.
Drop-in sessions will run on:
- Wednesday 18 November from 3pm to 7pm and
- Thursday 19 November from 10am to 2pm
Cllr Anne Quilter, Executive member Vibrant and Healthy Places, said: "We know from the feedback we've already received as part of this process that library services are highly valued by communities across Cumberland. It is now up to us to make sure these services meet the current and future needs of local people. "To help us do this, if you live, work or are involved in the Seaton community, please complete our survey or attend one of our drop-ins to give your views." The library service is a key part of the council’s prevention focused approach, ensuring people can get the right support early, confidently and in a way that works for them.