Residents visiting Bath and North East Somerset’s Libraries Information and Advice centres will be asked for their feedback on how they use the services in a survey running for two weeks from Monday this week.

At the Council budget meeting held in February, Bath & North East Somerset Council agreed investment to enable a review of the way the Libraries Information and Advice service is operated as well as to carry out repairs and redecoration at Bath Central Library.

The surveys will help the Council gain a better understanding of how and when people use services and what is important to them before any changes are made.

The outcomes will help the Council decide how to use the funding to improve library and information services.

Anyone visiting Midsomer Norton Library, Bath Central Library, Keynsham Library or Bath One Stop Shop between March 14th and March 26th will be invited to complete the survey when leaving.

The survey can also be taken online or by telephone by calling Council Connect on: 01225 39 40 41.

The Library Information and Advice Service will also be running a targeted short online survey and focus groups this spring for young people aged between 11 and 18, and a survey of parents and guardians of younger children, to ask for their views on the libraries, digital services and events.

The results will be shared with residents once collated. If more information is needed the service will ask for more feedback through targeted focus groups.

Cllr Shaun Hughes (Independent, Midsomer Norton North), has spoken of his concern for the future of local library services. He told The Journal: "B&NES announced in the budget they will cut £126,000 from Midsomer Norton and Keynsham libraries - already existing vacancies are not being filled and the Council are looking to move more services from face to face to digital access only.

"Our libraries provide much more than just books - they also provide numerous community services and I am very concerned about any cuts that would affect our local schoolchildren, blue badge holders, residents with other mobility restrictions, our elderly and residents within our SEND community who need face to face support.

"There is now a public consultation, so please offer your support to our fantastic library services in Midsomer Norton."