The new Future Libraries engagement stage survey was officially launched today (January 26) by Culture and Communities Convener Val Walker.
Earlier this month, the Convener visited the site of the new Macmillan Hub, which will include a new Muirhouse Library, in the north of the city. This is a good example of modern library service delivery.
With the old Muirhouse library having been demolished in 2021, the new community hub at Macmillan Square is being developed in partnership with North Edinburgh Arts and will incorporate a creative arts space, our Early Years facility, employability support, six flats for social rent, and of course a thriving community library.
Work is expected to be completed later this year. This is part of the wider Pennywell and Muirhouse regeneration project.
In December 2023, the Culture and Communities Committee agreed a proposal to develop a new strategy and vision for the library service over the next five years.
The new strategy will consider ways to modernise services to meet changing community need, encourage participation, and address budget pressures. Further information on the plans are available on our website.
Going forward, taking in the views of service users, colleagues, and stakeholders before developing the draft strategy is key. Today’s launch of the engagement stage survey will identify what works well, where changes could improve the service, and how delivery supports vulnerable groups. This will run for twelve weeks until April 19, 2024.
To take part in the engagement stage survey please visit our website.
We will then use this learning in our follow-up Consultation stage, where people will have the opportunity to make comments on the draft strategy and any proposals for service change. This will run from June 2024-August/September 2024.
Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said:
It was fantastic to visit the site of the new Macmillan Hub and see firsthand the future direction of our libraries taking shape.
I’d encourage everyone to take part and engage with our Future Libraries strategy. This is a really exciting opportunity to make your views heard on the services which matter to you and your communities.
I’d like to thank Council colleagues for all their hard work going into the development of a new libraries strategy and I look forward to seeing its progress over the coming months. We’re committed to getting the basics right for the people of Edinburgh and our thriving libraries network is a key part of our priorities for the city.