Mobile Library Service - consultation

[Admin]

Somerset Library Services Consultation - Pen Selwood

I am contacting you to let you know that on 3^rd November 2014 Somerset County Council is starting a 10 week consultation on the future of Somerset Library Services. The feedback from this consultation will be used to create a final set of proposals for decision in early 2015.  

The purpose of this consultation is to understand as many views as possible on a series of proposals for 2015/2016 to change the way the library service will operate. These proposals will see no libraries close but will make savings of almost £500,000, helping to protect the most vulnerable in Somerset.

I wanted to specifically draw your attention to this consultation because proposals affect the mobile library service. I want to ensure that all those potentially affected have a chance to comment on the proposals before any decisions are made. Details of the proposed changes to the mobile library service and the potential impact of the changes on current stops are available at www.somerset.gov.uk/libraryconsultation.

The proposals for 2015/16 have been developed in order to:

·        Ensure that Somerset Library Services are able to respond to changes in customer expectations and demography

·        Reflect the public’s strong preference that we do everything we can to keep local libraries open.

·        Ensure Somerset has modern Library Services that are comprehensive, efficient and affordable.

The Council aims to make the consultation as widely available as possible through:

• The County Council website www.somerset.gov.uk/libraryconsultation
• Promoting the consultation and making details available in all local library buildings and mobile library vehicles
• Holding a series of drop-in sessions around the county when Councillors and officers will be available
• Holding 1 hour drop-in sessions in every library when a member of the Library Service Senior Management team will be available
• Raising awareness of the consultation in many ways, including through press releases, social media, emails and letters
• Answering questions and making the consultation document and questionnaire available in different formats or languages by emailing  [e-mail] or phoning 0845 345 9177

 When you have read the proposals, if your Parish or Town Council would like to meet to discuss the proposals, then please contact Mark Smitton by [e-mail] or phoning on 01893 359765. We will do our best to accommodate all requests. If you are aware of somewhere where you feel it will be helpful to make the consultation document available (for example, in a village hall) then please let Mark know.

Thank you for supporting this important consultation.

Yours sincerely

Michèle Cusack 

Economic and Community Infrastructure Operations Director

Our Reference: LCS00207-PTC Email-31/10/2014