Deadline to have your say on future of Southey library

Date: 30/09/2012. Story submitted by: Dean Lambert

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Users of Southey library are being reminded to give their opinions in a consultation that ends this week.

Under proposals made by Sheffield Council people could see library hours reduced or in some cases closed.

Community libraries are home to a range of services and facilities from internet access, film and music hire, to a meeting place for some community groups as well as traditionally loaning books and other reading materials.

Sheffield Council is now looking how city library services could change in the future to make them fit for what local people require and bring them up to date.

The review covers services run from the Central library, the 27 community libraries, mobile and home library services, archives, local studies and associated information services.

Library users are now being asked, as part of a consultation across the city, what up-to-date accessible facilities they would want in the future and what would be important to them.

These include what times they would prefer libraries to be open, the quality of facilities currently on offer at the library and other potential uses in the future.

Coun Mazher Iqbal, Sheffield City Council’s cabinet member for communities and inclusion said “Libraries have over the years developed into much more than book lending centres and offer a range of learning, creative and information sharing opportunities.

"We want to ask local people what library services they want now and in the future, that will help us shape them.

“Modern life has changed how library services are used and we want to develop services with local people that is affordable and one that tighter council budgets can support.

“This review is not about closing libraries. We are reshaping our services and the starting point is not closure.

"However, we cannot rule out that, depending on the results of the consultation, services could be delivered differently, some developed, others changed or reduced.

“We would like as many ideas as possible on where we can do things differently, more effectively or boost our income."

The questionnaire can be found either online, at any of the city’s community libraries or from the mobile or home library services.

Responses to the questionnaire will then be collated and further consultation will be held on any proposals drawn up later in the winter.

All responses to the questionaire need to be done by October 8.

Additional info

Address: Moonshine Lane Sheffield S5 8RB

Tags: library, consultation

Web link: http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/libraries/find/Library-Review.html