Have your say in mobile libraries consultation

Residents are being urged to have their say in Essex County Council’s mobile libraries consultation as the deadline nears.

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There are just three weeks left before the seven-week consultation closes on November 6, so people are encouraged to have their say.

Cllr Sue Barker, cabinet member responsible for libraries, said: “We have had a really positive response so far, but we want to make sure as many people as possible get the chance to comment on our ideas.

“All views and ideas will be considered and the results will be reported to our Cabinet in January when a decision will be made.”

Last month, Essex County Council asked residents for their views on how library services to locations outside of town centres should be delivered.

With the number of people using mobile libraries falling by almost 50% in the past seven years and seven of the fleet of nine vehicles coming to the end of their working lives, , it was decided to look again at how these services are delivered.

The council is investigating ways to reach more people in isolated places, including mobile libraries, and encouraging more people to get involved through volunteering.

This involves helping support the set-up of community libraries, staffed by volunteers, in village halls, shops or pubs, and extending the Home Library Service, which delivers books to people in their own homes and helps combat social isolation.

Adults, organisations and children can find all the information they need to respond online at libraries.essex.gov.uk/news/mobile-library-service-consultation.

There is a separate survey for children and young people. Paper surveys are available to pick up at any mobile library or library.

Easy Read, large print or Braille versions are also available and people can complete the survey over the phone. Call 0345 603 7628 to request accessible copies or help.