Bath and North East Somerset Council has extended its consultation on
proposals to modernise its library services until Friday, 17th March. This is being done in order to ensure all those interested, including those using the One Stop Shop, can participate and taking into account public comments.
A spokesperson for the Council said: “Our proposal to integrate library and customer services is supported by the Libraries Task Force, as well as the successful integration of Keynsham’s modern library and One Stop Shop in 2014. Active borrowing there has increased in the last two years.
“Whilst some Councils have been forced to cut their library services, we are
continuing to develop modern libraries as key community spaces. This will help them to be sustainable in the longer term, which can also include voluntary and third sector
organisations, providing services when and where they are needed, from a single, well-used location.
“In this tough financial climate, our objective is to avoid existing libraries and One Stop Shops becoming unsustainable. Integration is a sensible way forward to achieve a truly modern service, offering high-speed WiFi and up-to-date computers alongside plenty of books, whilst retaining the communal events and activities that are part of providing a modern library service.
“The Council confirms that following the feedback from the first consultation – statistical and business case options analysis will be produced. This work will then be consulted upon, alongside a detailed Equality Impact and Needs Assessment as part of the second phase of consultation before any decision is made on the future location of a central library in Bath.”
The first phase of consultation on the modernisation will now close on Friday, 17th March. Questionnaires are available in Bath Central Library and the One Stop Shop in Manvers Street and people can also take part online at: http://www.bathnes.
gov.uk/services/libraries-and-archives/modern-library-service