Durham Libraries For You: get involved

Background

We have:

• 39 buildings throughout County Durham - 12 are in town centres and 27 are in smaller communities
• a mobile library that delivers books to the rural west of the county in over 80 communities
• a book bus that enables people in care homes to choose their own books
• the Books on Wheels service that provides materials to people who are unable to access library buildings

The last review of our library service was held in 2012 and, following the public consultation, five areas of need were identified: 

• reading for pleasure 
• raising confidence, skills and aspirations through access to informal and formal learning facilities, for study, research, self-improvement and knowledge 
• the development of individual literacy
• local community and public service information
• a place to meet and participate in community life

Our libraries are a vital community asset and they play a key role in our neighbourhoods and communities. 

In recent years, we have experienced massive digital and technological advances and our services have had to revitalise to reflect this.

As a result of things such as Covid-19, we have learnt that we need to continually keep up to date and make sure our library services are fit for purpose and continue to provide the best experience and also attract new users.

Libraries for You transcript (PDF, 71.8kb)

The consultation

At this stage, we want to gather your views and opinions, to help us understand:

• what makes you value the library services you use
• why you do not use County Durham libraries
• what you would look for in library services in the future

This will help us to: 

• identify new priorities and needs for County Durham library services for all County Durham residents 
• understand the role you wish the library within the community  
• look at how the library and its services could support community needs and aspirations
• ensure we continue to provide a comprehensive, engaging, responsive and efficient service 
• identify and recommend the use of new technologies in the library service

Have your say

Volunteering

If you want to volunteer at a library, our libraries offers a range of opportunities for volunteers.

What happens next

All the feedback will be gathered and reviewed carefully to help develop priorities for the library service and influence proposals for a new library service for County Durham residents. We will further discuss this with residents and our communities in due course.