From Friday 26 November, residents can have their say on Essex County Council’s new vision for Libraries as the draft Everyone’s Library Service 2022-2026 plan is published.
Helping children and adults improve their literacy, encouraging people to enjoy reading for pleasure and increasing the range of online resources available to customers are just some of the commitments in the plan.
It also commits to keeping all 74 libraries open with investment in training and the upskilling of existing library staff.
Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community, Equality, Partnerships and Performance, Cllr Louise McKinlay said: “We want to give our residents a Library service that everyone can be proud of and one that will enhance lives and help communities to thrive. The Library plan sets out how we aim to do this.
“The pandemic has made us see things differently, it’s shown us how flexible our libraries can be but has also shown us there is a wealth of opportunity for the service and our library buildings.
“We don’t want to just rebuild to where we were before the pandemic, we want to go further and create a service that is modern, vibrant and sustainable, with improved access, better facilities and more opportunities for local people. The libraries are a key tool in helping us to deliver our Levelling Up agenda, right across Essex.
“However, before any decisions are made, we want to hear what residents think of the proposals in the draft plan. This is everyone’s opportunity to help mould what libraries in Essex will look like in the future and I hope you will take the chance to make your views known so these can be considered ahead of plans being finalised.”
Everyone is welcome to give their views online, in person at one of the engagement events they are planning early next year, or via their customer service centre by calling 0345 603 7633.
Feedback can be submitted from 1pm on 26 November 2021 to 1pm on 21 January 2022.