Stirling Council have offered local residents the opportunity to shape the future of local libraries in a new consultation.
The views of locals will help to shape the strategy for Stirling Council libraries towards modernisation over the next five years.
The focus of the strategy is ensuring that libraries are meeting the needs of Stirling residents during a time of rapid technological advances and increasing financial pressures on local government.
Moving forward
Early this year, all but one of Stirling’s libraries faced closure due to Stirling Council’s estimated £16 million budget shortfall.
The Council’s budget survey ‘The Big Conversation’ reaped overwhelming support for the libraries, with 56 per cent of participants voting against the closure of 16 public libraries.
At the Stirling Council budget meeting in February 2024, the four Councillors in attendance also opposed the closures.
Amid the uncertainty, the Scottish Government awarded Stirling Council £53,039 in late 2023 to survey the social impact of its libraries.
Following this funding, local residents can shape the once uncertain future of Stirling’s libraries in the new consultation on the Engage Stirling website. Paper copies are also available in libraries.
“Whether you use a library or not, we want to hear your views”
Convenor of Stirling Council’s Community Wellbeing and Housing Committee, Cllr Gerry McGarvey said: “Our libraries don’t just lend books, they are key community hubs that deliver a wide range of services for local people.
“From bookbug sessions for young people to supporting people to access digital resources, our libraries are free and welcoming spaces for people of all ages to come together to learn, connect and enjoy activities and events.”
Urging people to fill in the survey, he continued: “Whether you use a library or not, we want to hear your views – please spread the word. Don’t miss the chance to have your say to keep our libraries relevant, vibrant and at the heart of our communities.”
This is just the first phase of the consultation, which is open until November 1, 2024.
Featured Image Credit: Stirling Council
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