What’s the future for local libraries?

Interested organisations, residents and library users are being reminded that they have a few days left to put forward a proposal or give their views and ideas on how to help sustain the library service going forward as the service looks to reduce the running costs of 11 branch libraries by half.

Paper surveys are available at all libraries and an online survey and drop in sessions have been taking place to allow residents and interested organisations to chat to the Principal Librarian and give their views or proposals around income generation, partnership working or co-location opportunities.

Conversations have also been taking place with town councils, schools and other organisations to consider opportunities for sharing costs and sustaining the library service.  

Cabinet Member responsible for libraries, Councillor Graham Brown said: “Powys libraries are highly regarded by residents and what we are trying to do via this exercise is look at all options and invite proposals, views and ideas so we can find new and innovative ways to keep them open wherever possible. At this stage I’d like to thank everyone who has submitted a survey, attended a drop in session or given us either an expression of interest around joint working or submitted a business plan.

"We’ve had over 400 surveys returned and some interesting conversations and proposals put forward. After the closing date we’ll be looking at all views and ideas in more detail and hope to take those forward that help us to realise the savings needed.”

The consultation closes on Sunday and a report with the findings will be going to Cabinet in the autumn.  The service is tasked with realising savings of £250k by the end of the financial year 2018/19. The first phase of £100k savings has to be found by April 1, 2018.