WARRINGTON people can have their say on the future of the town’s library service during a four-week consultation around the town.
Earlier this year an independent library review board, including local residents, staff and those with an interest in the service, was set up to look at options for the service’s future.The group met over the summer and has provided recommendations – including ending the mobile library service and closed Grappenhall and Great Sankey libraries.
Coun Bob Timmis, the borough council’s executive member for learning and skills (right), said: “We recognise the importance of the library service to the people of Warrington and we want their views on its future.
“The library service of the 21st century needs to provide more than just book lending from traditional buildings, so we must keep up with the times and provide services that support our existing library users and attract new users.”
Residents now have the opportunity to ask questions and put their views at a series of public meetings and drop-in sessions.
Drop-in sessions at libraries are: Today (Wednesday): 3.30 to 5.30pm Grappenhall; tomorrow (Thursday): 1.30 to 3.30pm, Birchwood; and 4 to 6pm, Orford.
Monday November 15: 3.30 to 5.30pm, Great Sankey; Tuesday November 16: 3.30 to 5.30pm, Culcheth; Thursday November 18: 4 to 6pm, Lymm; Friday November 19: 12 noon to 2pm, Warrington; Sunday November 21: 10.30 to 12.30, Woolston; Monday November 22; 2.30 to 4.30pm, Westbrook; Thursday November 25: 4 to 6pm, Burtonwood; and Saturday November 27: 10am to 12noon, Stockton Heath.
Public meetings will be held at the following venues: Today (Wednesday: 6.30 to 8.30pm, St Elphin’s Community Centre and tomorrow (Thursday): 6.30 to 8.30pm, Sir Thomas Boteler High School.
Monday November 15: 6.30 to 8.30pm, Greenwood Centre; Tuesday November 16: 6.30 to 8.30pm, Pyramid; Thursday November 18: 6.30 to 8.30pm, Quays Community Centre; Monday November 22: 6.30 to 8.30pm, Woolston High School; Wednesday November 24: 6.30-8.30pm, Birchwood Encounter Centre; Thursday November 25: 6.30 to 8.30pm, Penketh High School; and Monday November 29: 6.30 to 8.30pm, Great Sankey Library.
Copies of the report and background information are available on the library website, in libraries and will be available at the public meetings.