RESIDENTS and library users of Woodrow and Redditch are invited to have a say on cost-saving plans to re-shape the layout of Woodrow library to accommodate council services.

Worcestershire County Council’s Libraries and Learning Service, like most services, needs to make significant savings. In total, around 28 per cent of the Libraries and Learning service budget needs to be saved over the next few years, equating to £1.8million.

It wants to make these savings in a way which protects services and ensures that, where possible, local people have access to a comprehensive local library in their area. As a result of this approach, the service acknowledges that some libraries may change, be run differently or share space with other services.

In Woodrow, the county council is working with Redditch Council to develop a "one stop shop" which will see the Woodrow Customer Service Centre relocated into the library to create a community hub.

The proposal is expected to increase access to adult learning opportunities, and events for children and young people,  as well as creating a new meeting space which will be available for a range of community services and groups to use.

Outline plans and other information will be on display at the library from week beginning Monday, December 10 until Monday, December 17 for residents to view during normal library opening hours. People can pop into the library to either fill in a feedback card at a time to suit them or come along to one of the three engagement sessions. 

They will be held in the library on Tuesday, December 11, from 10-11am, Thursday, December 13, from 4-5pm and Friday, December 14, from 1-2pm
The approach is consistent to that in other libraries which are sharing space with other public and community based services to bring down overheads and reduce running costs whilst keeping  services open.

For more information contact a Worcestershire Hub Customer Service Advisor on 01905 822722 or see worcestershire.gov.uk/woodrowlibrary . The Worcestershire Hub phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am-8pm and Saturday, 9am-5pm.