Essex Public Library Service Consultation - Community Involvement - Tier 4

We, Essex County Council (ECC) have published a draft strategy for provision of library services in Essex over the next five years, from 2019/20 to 2023/24. We consulted the public on the draft strategy proposals for 12 weeks from 29 November 2018 to 21 February 2019.

As part of this draft strategy, we have identified locations where a library is not required as part of a comprehensive service, based on data evaluated in a needs assessment. The public consultation carried out between 29 November and 21 February 2019 consulted on the proposal to stop delivering library services at these locations.  ECC will consider proposals from community or partner organisations who want to set up alternative libraries provision in these locations. ECC would not provide any ongoing management and running costs for provision in these locations but may offer support with initial set up such as donating books, if viable proposals are received.

These locations are categorised as Tier 4 in the draft strategy document. The 25 locations are:

Broomfield

Buckhurst Hill

Chigwell

Danbury

Debden

Fryerns

Galleywood

Great Wakering

Hatfield Peverel

Holland

Hullbridge

Mark Hall

Kelvedon

North Weald

Prettygate

Sible Hedingham

Silver End

Southminster

Stansted

Stock

Thaxted

Tye Green

Vange

Wickham Bishops

Writtle

Over the next few months, we will develop the principles for Tier 4 alternative local library provision and what support we will provide.

We will consider all responses to the consultation, report the outcome of public consultation and any recommended changes to the draft strategy to the Council’s Cabinet in summer 2019. If the strategy is approved, interested organisations will be provided more information about the support we will offer and be invited to set up an alternative local library provision.

Please complete this form if you represent a community organisation, or would like to form a community group, and are interested in running an alternative local library provision if the proposals for Tier 4 libraries go ahead.