People in Dorset have until Friday 7 January to tell Dorset Council how the library service can best meet their needs now and over the next 10 years. And to say thank you to those who complete the survey, there is an option to enter a prize draw.

The #LetsTalkLibraries consultation is in its first phase.

Cllr Laura Miller, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Customer and Community Services, said: “Our libraries are at the heart of Dorset’s communities, and we want them to stay this way. As well as a safe space, they provide many highly valued services for residents of all ages such as activities and events, skills and learning, digital access and support, and art and cultural exhibitions. They also provide free access to Wi-Fi and public-access PCs. In the future, they could offer other kinds of support to businesses, partners, and residents.

“As part of the consultation, we have a dedicated children’s survey and a business, partner, and employee survey and I encourage everyone to get involved. This is an exciting time and views shared now will inform the next stage of the consultation process – so it is important that we hear from everyone.”

A draft strategy will be produced which will be the focus of a second consultation, to be held in summer 2022.

There is also a dedicated children’s survey for ages five-15 years, which can be completed on behalf of children you care for. To find all the surveys head to: www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/lets-talk-libraries

Support is also available via customer services where an officer can help to fill in the survey over the phone. Call 01305 221 000.

Those who need paper copies of the survey can access these by visiting their local library.

To say thank you to those who complete the survey, there will be the option to be entered into a prize draw to win one of two prizes, either a Kindle Paperwhite (8GB) or an Amazon Echo Dot, for the adult survey. Children who complete the survey could win a £25 Amazon Voucher (three vouchers will be awarded). Employees of Dorset Council are not eligible to enter the prize draw.