Council launches surveys to help shape future of library services

Westmorland and Furness Council is excited to announce the launch of community-wide surveys aimed at gathering valuable feedback on its library services.

The council is inviting everyone, current library users and non-users, adults and children, to share their views on what matters most to them, ensuring that our libraries continue to meet the diverse needs of our community.

This engagement is a key part of our commitment to developing a high-quality, modern library service that is accessible and beneficial to everyone. The insights collected through the survey will play a crucial role in shaping and informing our upcoming Library Strategy and Delivery Plan.

Councillor Virginia Taylor, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Sustainable Communities and Localities, said:

“Our libraries are at the heart of our community, offering not just books, but a wide range of services that support learning, creativity, and social connections.

“We want to hear directly from our residents about what they value most and what improvements they would like to see. This feedback will guide us in creating a library service that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of our community."

The surveys are designed to capture a broad range of opinions and are open to everyone, whether they are regular library users or have not yet experienced what our libraries have to offer. Participants will have the opportunity to provide input on a variety of topics, including the types of services they use and any suggestions for new services or improvements.

There are two surveys, one for adults and one for children, and they can be completed online at:

• Adults– https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WFlibrarysurvey1
• Children –https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/wflibrarysurvey2

QR code links to both surveys are printed on poster attached to this email.
Paper copies will also be made available at all local libraries. The deadline for responses is Friday 31 January 2025 at 5pm.

We encourage everyone to take a few minutes to complete the survey and make their voice heard. By doing so, you’ll be helping to shape the future of our libraries, ensuring they remain high-quality, vibrant, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of our entire community.

Engagement Sessions

The council will also be holding a series of drop-ins across the Eden, South Lakeland and Furness localities to allow the public to come along, find out more and ask any questions they may have. Dates and locations for the Eden area are as follows:

• Wednesday 15 January, Penrith Library, 10am-12pm and 2-5pm
• Friday 17 January, Appleby Hub, 10am-12pm
• Friday 17 January, Appleby Library 2-5pm
• Saturday 18 January, Kirkby Stephen Library, 10am-12.30pm
• Friday 24 January, Alston Library, 10am-1pm
• Friday 24 January, Lazonby Library Link, 10am-12pm
• Friday 24 January, Shap Library Link, 2-4pm

Publicly Accessible defibrillators.

Central Broughton:

Fire station – Foxfield Road, LA20 6AJ

Square Café – New Street, LA20 6JF

Victory Hall – Station Road, LA20 6HN

Prince of Wales P/H – Foxfield, LA20 6BX 

Duddon Valley:

Broughton Mills Reading Room – LA20 6AY

Ulpha Post Office – (Pending relocation, but will be sited near by) LA20 6DY

Woodland Parish Rooms – Postcode unavailable

Seathwaite – Newfield Inn, LA20 6ED

Cockley Beck – Phone Box