December 14th, 2010
Tell us your views on libraries – drop-in dates announced
Drop-in sessions start this week that will give you the chance to have your say on proposed changes to the library service in Gloucestershire.
This will be a chance to speak to members of the library senior management team and ask any questions you might have. You can also take part in the online consultation at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/mtclibraries More details about the strategy, including a map showing the proposed changes, are also available on this web page.
The proposals are for nine main libraries; a 24/7 virtual library service; 11 Library Express services; seven possible Library Link services, and communities being given the chance to run their own library service. There is the potential to increase opening hours and services through volunteers. 
Cllr Antonia Noble, Gloucestershire County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for libraries, said: “We’re already gathering lots of useful feedback, but these are currently only proposals and we’re still working on finding the best solution for Gloucestershire. So, it’s important that people give us their views and ideas, either by taking part in the consultation online or going along to one of the drop-in sessions.
“We’ve already spoken to lots of different groups interested in our community offer. There is an exciting opportunity for communities to develop services that better meet local needs and we're doing everything we can to make that possible, including start-up grants, attractive peppercorn rents and up to 50% asset share. I’m looking forward to more discussions with community groups in the coming months.”
Drop-in dates
Cheltenham Library: 15th December, 2pm-5pm
Gloucester Library: 17th December, 10am-1pm
Stroud Library: 20th December, 2pm-5pm
Coleford Library: 12th January, 2pm-5pm
Cirencester Library: 13th January, 10am-1pm
Tewkesbury Library: 14th January, 10am-1pm
Churchdown Library: 19th January, 6.30pm-8.30pm
Minchinhampton Library: 20th January, 2pm-5pm
Cinderford Library: 21st January, 10am-1pm
Wotton Library: 25th January, 2pm-5pm
The drop-in sessions are spread throughout the county. More dates and venues will be added. The libraries consultation started in November, running for three months. Communities will be invited to come forward with a business case for their own community-run library next Spring.