The future of Dorset’s libraries and what they have to offer is in the hands of local residents.

Dorset Council is conducting a consultation which will close on 22 December.

There have been significant changes to public behaviour and technology since the authority looked at the library strategy, over 10 years ago. This was most prominent during the pandemic when libraries needed to adapt quickly to continue to provide highly valued services – albeit in a different way. With many events being held online, they racked up more than 112,000 views.

Online surveys seek views on the new aims for the service and how they will be achieved. This includes questions on suggested opening hours, digital access, supporting learning, and providing space for enterprise and community spaces.

Cllr Laura Beddow, portfolio holder for Culture, Communities and Customer Services, said: “We must now look to the future of our library service, and how they can continue to deliver services, meeting the needs of our communities over the next ten years.

“Our draft strategy sets out how will do this through our mission to inspire, connect and enable our communities, we now need your help to refine the draft strategy. I encourage everyone to have their say, your views really will shape the future of our libraries.”

Phase one Let’s Talk Libraries took place from October 2021- January 2022 and was an informal conversation with communities, to understand what they value about the library service, and how it could develop and become relevant to non-library users.

Now in the second phase of consultation, communities are being asked for their views on the draft strategy, to help prioritise and explore what the library service could look like in their community.

In addition to the main survey, there is a dedicated children’s survey for ages five-15 years, this can be completed on behalf of children who residents 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.