Have your say on the Library Service Strategy 2023-2027

Closed 29 Oct 2023

Opened 4 Sep 2023

Contact

feedback.libraryplus@westnorthants.gov.uk

Feedback updated 2 Feb 2024

We asked

From 4 September to 29 October we asked for your views on how we were proposing to develop our libraries as thriving community hubs, guided by the priorities we have identified, ensuring we continue to support people of all ages and backgrounds.

Our draft strategy was developed through engagement with staff, partners and stakeholders and sets out West Northamptonshire Council’s ambition for the library service for the next 4 years (up to 2027), which will apply to the public libraries we are responsible for.

We sought views on the draft strategies priorities and what you felt we could do to improve the service.

You said

There were 598 responses to the online consultation. A further 5 were submitted in written form (email/letter).

The priorities identified within the draft strategy were mostly supported, with a number of suggestions to make improvements to the strategy wording.

There was also feedback on awareness of the services currently provided through our libraries, that the draft strategy needed more information, and suggestions of other partners we could work with.

We did

All responses to this consultation have been considered and we have made some changes to ensure that we can help deliver this strategy and help guide the future improvements and use of this service.

Our draft strategy has been amended to provide further understanding where it has been suggested we do so through the consultation. We have also taken feedback on board to help us to promote the services and look at ways we can communicate our quiet times and offers to certain groups with varying needs and abilities. We have also updated out list of partners we can work with.

Update 2 February 2024: View the current West Northamptonshire Council Library Strategy 

Overview

We would like your views on how we propose to continue to develop our libraries as thriving community hubs, guided by the priorities we have identified, ensuring we support people of all ages and backgrounds.

Background

There are 18 Libraries across West Northamptonshire, the council are responsible for 9 of these and the rest are community managed libraries delivered in partnership with community organisations and volunteers. 

We have drafted a Library Service Strategy that sets out West Northamptonshire Council’s ambition for the library service for the next 4 years, which will apply to the public libraries we are responsible for. 

This strategy has been developed through engagement with staff, partners and stakeholders.

Based on the councils strategy (Our Strategy), the universal offer from Libraries Connected (Universal Library Offers), other local strategies and the 10 Integrated Care Northamptonshire Strategy ‘Live Your Best Life’ ambitions, 7 key priorities have been identified, these are:

  • Priority 1 Increased Reading and Literacy
  • Priority 2 Cultural and Creative Enrichment
  • Priority 3 Improved Digital Access and Literacy
  • Priority 4 Healthier and Happier Lives
  • Priority 5 Helping Everyone Achieve Their Full Potential
  • Priority 6 Greater Prosperity
  • Priority 7 Stronger, More Resilient Communities

We would like your views on the strategies priorities, and what you feel we could do to improve the service.

View a copy of the Draft Library Service Strategy 2023-2027. You might want to have this open whilst you complete this questionnaire.

How will feedback be used?

Your feedback will help us to shape the strategy and ensure we have identified the right priorities. We would also like to hear about any ideas for improvements or activities that we might include in our strategy in order to drive improvements to the library service.

Have your say

We would like to hear from users of the libraries and residents, as well as other interested parties and stakeholders.

You can tell us your views by completing a short questionnaire, you do not have to answer every question or give feedback on every section.

If you have any queries or comments on the questionnaire or the strategy, or if you would like a copy of this questionnaire in another format (including easy read or large print) please email: feedback.libraryplus@westnorthants.gov.uk 

The deadline for completing this questionnaire is midnight Sunday 29 October 2023.

For information about how your responses are managed please see the Consultation and Engagement Privacy Notice.

Interests

  • Engagement activities
  • Libraries