Libraries could have to share their space

8:30am Friday 29th February 2008

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LIBRARIES in the county could soon be sharing buildings with other services after residents gave the suggestion the thumbs up.

In a recent survey, 80 per cent of library users said they would be happy to see their library building used for other things.

The poll conducted by Gloucestershire County Council questioned users about the service and possible suggestions for its future.

Only 20 per cent of participants said no to the idea of sharing the library with other council services or moving it into a different building.

The idea of libraries sharing buildings is already being used in some areas in the county.

In Longlevens there is a joint library for the community and the junior school, while in Quedgeley and Nailsworth work is underway to include children's centres in the libraries.

Councillors in Berkeley are also currently working with council officials to help find an alternative venue for the town's library.

The survey, which was carried out in the county's 39 libraries between August and November last year, also showed that 52 per cent of users said that borrowing books from their local library was important to them but only 11 per cent rated borrowing DVDs an important service.

David Paynter, Gloucestershire County Council's head of libraries and information, said: "These figures are very important because nationally and locally there has been a decline in book borrowing even though the number of people using some libraries is on the increase.

"With finite resources we have to ensure that all the services we provide are well used, respond to local needs and represent value for money to taxpayers.

"Because many of our users not only told us they were open to the idea of their local library sharing a building but also expressed views on some of the benefits this might bring, we are now investigating the idea with parish and town councils and other local organisations."

For more information about the survey or about the county's library services visit www.libraries.gloucestershire.gov.uk.