Libraries

Lots of ways to have your say

Friday, 17 February 2012

As the library consultation approaches half way, Gloucestershire County Council is encouraging more people to take part and have their say.

Since 30^th January, the council has spoken to more than 1,200 people who were keen to give us their feedback.

They have taken part by filling in a questionnaire online, in person at a roadshow or in a library and over the phone in a random telephone sample of 1,000 residents.

There have also been consultation forms and letters sent to 1,000 randomly selected library users, inviting them to let us have their views.

Roadshows are still taking place around the county and workshops with invited groups are being held to gather as much information as possible.

On Saturday, the council will be holding the next roadshow in the centre of Cheltenham in the Regent Arcade between 10am and 4pm.

Staff will be proactively approaching people in the town centre to invite them to take part in the consultation and asking if they need any support – for example with translation services or larger print versions – to have their say.

As well as the roadshows, the survey can be completed online around the clock at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/libraries2012 - it takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

Paper versions are available in every library and staff will be on hand to offer assistance to fill in the questionnaire if needed.

There is also support available with an ‘easy read’ paper questionnaire for people who’d prefer a simpler version and the council has drafted extra guidance to help people fill in some of the questions.

 The easy read questionnaire and the additional guidance are both available in libraries, at roadshows and are also online if needed.

Answers to frequently asked questions by people at the road shows are now available online for people to find out more about the strategy.

Jo Grills, the county council’s Operations Director for Education, Learning and Libraries, said: “We launched this consultation almost three weeks ago and the response as we approach the half way point, has been great.

“So far we have spoken to more than 1,200 people and more feedback is coming in every day - that’s exactly what we’re aiming for.

“There’s still time to come along to a roadshow if you haven’t been yet – we’ll be in Cheltenham from 10am to 4pm tomorrow and officers will be on hand to answer any questions you have.”

The consultation will run until 11^th March.

Roadshow dates:

Date	Library	Timing	Location
Sat 18th Feb	Cheltenham	Between 10am – 4pm	Regent Arcade
Mon 20th Feb	Lydney	Between 10am – 1pm	Lydney Community Centre
Mon 20th Feb	Newnham	Between 2pm - 4.30pm	Library
Tue 21st Feb	Berkeley	Between 9am – 1pm	Library
Thur 23rd Feb	Matson	Between 10am – 1pm	Library
Thur 23rd Feb	Tuffley	Between 2pm – 5pm	Library