By Rebecca Curley
local democracy reporter
A second round of consultation is set to take place around the future of libraries in Surrey.
More than 7,000 people responded to surveys over the future of library and cultural services provided by Surrey County Council.
Details of how the service will change are still to be decided, but a report to go to members of SCC cabinet next week says there was “broad support” for moving to more digital services and to be community-based, with perhaps a cafe in the library.
Volunteers will also play a key role in the future of libraries.
The council papers state: “From the consultation and response received on the proposed strategic principles for libraries and cultural services in Surrey, it is proposed that detailed proposals be developed for further consultation with partners, stakeholders, the public and staff.”
Concern was raised during the consultation about the future of Surrey History Centre in Woking if the service was transformed.
SCC’s major consultation into five areas including SEND and recycling centres resulted in 28,000 responses. The largest response rate was for community recycling centres with more than 12,000 people filling in the questionnaires.
Proposals to go before cabinet tomorrow (January 29, 2019) include slashing the number of children centres from 58 to 21, closing four community recycling centres and retaining free bus travel for carers of people with disabilities, but limiting the time of use.
Parents with Special Educational Needs will need to wait until February when a new strategy for provision will be drawn up.
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Gordon Bridger
January 28, 2019 at 6:12 pm
Why not a cinema for the ground or maybe second floor? It should produce some badly needed revenue and some good films. West Norwood has combined their library with a cinema. Why not find out how they did it?
Jan Todd
January 29, 2019 at 11:20 am
I love this idea. Libraries and independent cinemas are two of my favourite things and a comibination of those two things sounds inspired.
spotlight.picturehouses.com/news/west-norwood-library-and-picturehouse-opening-9-november/
John Perkins
January 30, 2019 at 9:43 am
It needn’t even be a dedicated space. http://www.curzoncountrycinema.co.uk simply hires rooms and puts on films. They’re not interested in competing with town centre cinemas, but at least show how it can be done cheaply.