On Tuesday 25 July 2023, Dorset Council’s new library strategy was approved by Cabinet. The strategy provides a framework to support and develop the council’s library service with a fresh approach to delivering services with no proposed branch closures.
The strategy, shaped using over 12,000 responses from two extensive public consultations, feedback gathered in engagement workshops and data on local need, looks to the future of Dorset’s libraries and how they can meet the needs of residents and communities over the next 10 years.
The new library strategy includes a new operating model, with core services available at all libraries and will see libraries managed in clusters, ensuring wider access to services and enabling sharing of resources between libraries in each cluster.
Cllr Laura Beddow, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture and Communities, said:
“We are delighted that our new library strategy has been approved, with councillors giving great feedback on our vision for the future of our library service.
It is an ambitious strategy informed by the views of residents and by customer need that will not result in any closures, instead enhancing Dorset’s libraries for the future.
Residents have made it perfectly clear that libraries are at the heart of their communities and this strategy really reflects that.
The conversation doesn’t end here. We will continue to work with our communities and listen to their views on our strategy.”
Now that the library strategy has been approved by Cabinet, barring an unlikely objection from councillors, work will begin to implement the new library strategy and the action plan. The new operating model and changes to opening hours will come into effect from April 2024.
For more information you can read a copy of the library strategy, operating model, proposed opening hours and action plan.
Any queries or questions can be sent to letstalklibraries@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
I wouldn’t call 6pm a “late night”. “Late night” for people who work means 8pm or later. If I work in Bournemouth or Poole and finish work at 5pm, it is unlikely my bus will get me into Wimborne before 6pm. Can I suggest you call a 6pm closing time “late afternoon” instead?
Hi Colin. Thanks for your comment, I have passed this feedback onto the team. Many thanks, James
I am disappointed that our local library is due to see its opening hours reduced due to it being considered a second tier library. I took part in the consultation and noted my views and reiterate that the reduction in access will have a detrimental effect in many in our community, in particular young families and those not able to travel to another library.
Hi Julie. Thank you for the feedback, I have passed it onto the team.
Friends 4 Upton Library;
I think Dorset Council have done a good job ,but could be better .
Nothing has been mentioned about Friends for the Library .
I started the F4UL about 14 years ago .we have talks Coffee mornings etc .we help the library with money and anything else required .We have a very hard working Committee who meet and plan events also we have members for F4UL and they are charged a fee every Year and they have stayed with us also some more have been added ………./
Hi Fred. Thanks for your comment. Friends of Dorset libraries are and continue to be a valued asset to our libraries and residents. We would encourage you to continue the conversation with us. You can contact us at: letstalklibraries@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk