People asked for views about future of Gobowen Library
Residents in Gobowen and the surrounding area are being encouraged to give their views on proposals for Gobowen Library, as part of a consultation that runs until Sunday 20 December 2015.
The proposals are being put forward following conversations between Shropshire Council and local partners and residents to explore the best way to ensure the future sustainability of the library.
No decisions have yet been made, and there is still an opportunity for community organisations and residents to come up with alternative options.
The consultation asks people to consider and comment on three options:
1. Shropshire Council will continue to manage the library service, staff and building at Gobowen Library in its existing location in partnership with local organisations. It is proposed that the funding could come from four partners – Shropshire Council and key local partners.
2. For the library to remain under Shropshire Council management but with reduced opening hours.
3. Are there any other alternatives that Shropshire Council should consider that would assist in meeting its required outcomes to reduce costs and deliver sustainable services?
Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for business and culture, said:
“Libraries are an integral part of the community, and this is why we have been working extremely hard with our partners to ensure we can find sustainable solutions to enable libraries to continue to thrive for future generations to come.
“I hope that this consultation will attract a high level of response to help us find the best way to maintain the library in Gobowen, within the budgets available.
“We very much look forward to hearing people’s views on these proposals, particularly any alternative options that people may want to put forward.”
Comments can be submitted online by going to shropshire.gov.uk/get-involved and searching for Gobowen Library.
Residents can also pick up a questionnaire along with the proposals and Frequently-Asked Questions at Gobowen Library, Gobowen Post Office, Gobowen Co-operative, Gobowen Primary School, Gobowen Pavilion and Gobowen All Saints Church Hall.
Further information
- Option 1 follows community visioning and open days, and in response to ideas around the development of a community hub at the library that could used by a number of organisations.
- The consultation is part of wider work Shropshire Council is undertaking with partner organisations and communities across Shropshire, to ensure libraries and other key face-to-face services continue to be delivered in a sustainable and more cost-effective way.
