Herts County Council - Public Consultation on Libraries

Have Your Say:

29 Sept - 7 December 2014

Complete a questionnaire on-line

Attend one of the drop-in sessions taking place in libraries around the County

As part of the 'Inspiring Libraries' strategy, Hertfordshire Library Service is planning the following service developments. You can read, in full, the new strategy and the proposed changes here:

• Improving library buildings: Recent investment in library buildings has demonstrated the potential of 'state of the art' library facilities at libraries such as Welwyn Garden City, Harpenden and Borehamwood. Our ambition is for all Hertfordshire library buildings to be bright, attractive, welcoming, flexible, tech-enabled spaces in convenient locations. It is proposed that the County Council will continue to seek opportunities to re-provide less suitable libraries by sharing buildings with other services.
• Developing technology: It is proposed that the Library Service should invest in the development of technology to improve service delivery, to support digital inclusion and to empower citizens. This is in line with the wishes of 73% of respondents to our public consultation in 2013. We want our libraries to provide an environment which is safe for people to experiment with new technologies and develop their skills and confidence.
• Volunteering opportunities: It is proposed that the Library Service should make greater use of community volunteers to support services and extend opening hours. Around 400 volunteers currently support library services and activities such as the Home Library Service and the Summer Reading Challenge, and in the 'Future of Hertfordshire Libraries' consultation, a clear majority of respondents were in favour of creating more volunteering opportunities.
• Increased income generation: It is proposed that the Library Service should seek to develop new revenue streams in order to generate more income, including charging for additional services, the hire of library space, the sale of refreshments, and encouraging donations and legacies. This reflects the views of more than 75% of respondents to our consultation in 2013.
• More effective promotion: A recurring theme of our public consultation in 2013 was the need to promote library services more effectively. It is proposed that the Library Service should raise its profile through improved use of social media and by working with local communities to encourage the organisation of 'Friends' groups to help us to champion library services in the local area as vibrant community assets.

This consultation will give you the opportunity to comment on these developments, and seeks your views on specific proposals to:

• Brand and promote our libraries in three distinct Tiers
• Replace the existing mobile library service with an expanded Home Library Service for vulnerable and isolated customers