Let's Talk About Libraries

Overview

Southwark has a library service to be proud of with a network of modern libraries located across the borough. We are one of the highest performing services in the country and we continue to invest and develop new libraries and services. We have modern  physical and digital spaces, extensive resources and well-trained and motivated staff. We know that residents are  proud of their libraries and use them as the first place they go to for information, access to council services, for reading, study, learning and cultural enrichment. We now want you tell us what is important to you and we want to get your views in how best to take our services forward.

Why your views matter

We need to ensure that library and heritage services are relevant and provide what our communities want and need. We also have to make sure that resources are used efficiently and effectively. We are currently developing a library and heritage strategy setting out our proposed approach to provide a modern service for the future, recognising the changes in the way that people are using libraries and the need to provide high quality services demonstrating best value for money.

In developing library and heritage services we are focusing on key themes relating to digital literacy, health and well-being, reading and learning, cultural and community use and telling the story of Southwark through heritage and archive services. The strategy will enable us to deliver a library service where resources are prioritised to achieve outcomes that will best meet the needs of those who live, work and study in Southwark. 

We know that people use libraries for many different reasons and in order to help us shape the future of the library and heritage service for the next four years we want to hear your views - not only on the services we currently provide but also any ideas on new things you’d like us to do.
 
We hope you will take part in the survey. Your participation will help inform the direction of the library and heritage service and ensure that the service remains relevant to your needs in the years ahead.

Councillor Rebecca Lury

Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, Equalities & Communities

What happens next

Thank you for your participation in the "Let's talk about libraries" Consultation. This information will help us to make changes and improve the service.

We will publish the results of the consultation once we have analysed all the responses.