The views of people who live, work and study in the Stirling area will feed into a new vision and strategy for the council’s libraries, guiding service delivery for the next five years (2025-2030).
It will ensure libraries can adapt and modernise to meet the changing needs of communities at a time of rapid technological advances and increasing financial pressures on local government.
People can have their say in the first phase of the consultation via an online survey on the Engage Stirling platform that will run until 1 November 2024. Paper copies will also be available in libraries.
Secure a bright future for our libraries
Convener 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 children 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.
“They can deliver key educational, employability, health and wellbeing benefits by working in partnership with other council services and other agencies.
“This consultation is an opportunity to secure a bright future for our libraries amid ongoing budget pressures, changing public expectations and the rollout of new technology.
“Whether you use a library or not, we want to hear what 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.”
To take part in the survey and for more information, please visit our Engage Stirling platform.
Further engagement is planned on the survey results, before the development of the draft strategy and action early next year.
Stirling Council manages 16 libraries and two mobile libraries. For more information on the services and activities provided by the libraries service, visit: www.stirling.gov.uk/community-life-and-leisure/libraries-and-archives/libraries/what-our-libraries-offer.
