East Sussex County Council (ESCC) are asking for your views on their draft five year strategy for the county’s libraries.
Libraries in East Sussex are a popular service with almost 1.5 million visits during 2016/17. However, the number of visits, and the number of items issued in libraries, have both reduced by around 40% over the past ten years. By comparison, the number of items borrowed online has risen.
Therefore the Council's plan is to focus on an enhanced eLibrary service by continuing to expand the range of online services and materials they offer. As well as accessing materials online, the eLibrary allows people to manage their library loans anywhere and anytime using the "click and collect" approach.
As reported in Rye News, the Council is proposing the closure of seven libraries in the county, reducing the number to 17, and closing the mobile library service. While Rye library is not under threat from closure, the mobile library services that serves communities in places such as Tilling Green, Camber, Playden and Peasmarsh may be axed. In addition ESCC is proposing to stop providing a supply of books for the Northiam Village library.
The consultation is open until December 14. You can read more and respond to the proposals on the ESCC website, by email at library.consultation@eastsussex.gov.uk or by phone on 01273 335165 and 01273 335397.
We would be keen to hear your views as well.
Photo: Rye News library
