People asked for their say on library services

Cumberland Council A mural on a wall inviting people to take part in a survey about the library service. Graphics include a blue speech bubble containing the works "have your say in making your library fit for the future", and a cartoon of a girl sitting on top of a pile of booksCumberland Council
Posters have been put on display to advertise the consultation

Library users are being asked for their views as a council tries to future-proof its service.

The survey from Cumberland Council is asking residents to have their say on library buildings, digital services, staff and ideas for the future.

The council said it wanted to make sure services were accessible to all, and make the most of increasingly popular digital offerings, such as e-books and audiobooks.

More than 1,000 people had already taken part, the council said, but it hoped more would do so before the 4 July deadline.

Carlisle Library, in the Lanes Shopping Centre, is currently undergoing a £3.3m renovation and had to temporarily close earlier this year over a "serious building issue".

The refurbishment, funded by the government, includes electrical rewiring and the creation of a children's zone, study spaces and adult learning classrooms.

Councillor Anne Quilter, executive member for vibrant and healthy places, said: "We're very proud of the library service already, but as a new authority with our own priorities and ambitions, as well as the rapidly changing needs of our community and user habits, we want to ensure that the service will meet future needs.

"Thank you to all those people who've taken part in the survey so far, your feedback will be incredibly valuable to us as we look to ensure that the offering is fit for the future.

"Time is, though, running out for you to have your say and I'd encourage you if you haven't already to fill it in."

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