I know how important our libraries are for local people and am very pleased Essex County Council's Library Plan for 2022 -2026 has now been formally adopted.
Councillor Louise McKinlay, the Deputy Leader of Essex County Council and Cabinet Member for Community, Equality, Partnership and Performance has ensured the Plan outlines the County Council's commitment to keeping all 74 libraries open and has highlights the following key areas for focus:
"Library Service and Literacy
- Improving Literacy for children and adults and creating ‘Literacy Areas’ in every Essex Library by the end of June. Literacy Areas are new areas that group together materials to support children and adults with reading and literacy skills. They are interactive areas that provide activities and signpost residents to literacy schemes and programmes.
- Supporting children in becoming school ready.
- Offering up to date and refreshed stock and resources (Physical and online).
- Delivering a programme of exciting events in the libraries.
- Upskilling Staff and working with volunteers to enhance the service.
Communications and Infrastructure
- Improving communications with residents so they know what is on offer and working to attract new users.
- Investing in our spaces so they are vibrant, accessible and flexible.
- Ensuring our buildings are as ‘green’ as can be.
Supporting our communities and levelling up
- Making sure no one is left behind by expanding our outreach and community involvement.
- Enhancing employability, wellbeing, culture and arts through bringing people together.
- Encouraging greater footfall, including welcoming new users through exciting new activities."
You can read the full Library Plan here: https://libraries.essex.gov.uk/everyoneslibrary/