Somerset Libraries under threat - again

Thanks to Fiona Kirton for this: it's from Somerset County Council.

Please note the date of the first so-cslled consultation: it's on a working day (Wednesday 8 August) right in the middle of the summer holiday season

===========

A review of the Library Service started in March, and below are details of a stakeholder meeting you might wish to attend.

From: Julian Bellew JBellew@somerset.gov.uk
Sent: Tue 17/07/2012 17:54
Subject: Libraries Service Review - stakeholder event invitation

As you are no doubt aware Somerset County Council, like local authorities across the country, is facing significant financial challenges. To meet these challenges and continue to do the best we can for residents, we have decided that fundamental change is needed in the way the County Council works and each service is being reviewed as part of this process.

Through the service review process we're looking at everything we do and seeing how we might be able to do it differently and more efficiently. The service review for libraries started in March and the County Council's Cabinet will consider an outline business case, setting out recommendations for the Library Service, in October 2012.

As part of the service review for libraries we would like to invite you to a stakeholder event to talk about the Library Service review, the strategy for the future of the service and most importantly your views and thoughts on the future of libraries in Somerset.

In September 2012 we will be holding a second stakeholder event when we would like to spend more time with you working through the developing ideas.

The first stakeholder event will take place on Wednesday 8 August 2012 at Taunton Library Meeting Room, between 1.00 pm and 4.00 pm. Taunton Library is located in Paul Street in the centre of Taunton, close to public transport connections, with pay-and-display car parks nearby. The postcode is TA1 3XZ.

If you or a representative would like to be involved please contact Julian Bellew (contact details below) by Monday 30 July 2012.

Julian Bellew
Change Team
Somerset County Council
County Hall
Taunton
TA1 3JR

Telephone: 01823 356212
Email: JBellew@somerset.gov.uk

Further details, including an outline of the session and a full list of attendees, will be sent nearer the date.

If you are unable to attend this event, but would like to be kept informed and involved in the Library Service Review, please contact Julian Bellew and we will ensure that you are kept up to date with progress and future events.

Yours sincerely
Tom Mayberry
Group Manager - Heritage and Libraries

===========

this is typical: hold a consultation, don't publicise it much, and do it right in the middle of the holiday season.