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The consultation, which started at the end of July, asks people of all ages to share their views on how the library service can adapt to meet future needs.
With increasing costs, changing patterns of library use, and the need to make services sustainable, North Somerset Council is inviting as many people as possible to have their say – including children and young people, who have their own dedicated survey.
Cllr Mike Solomon, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Open Spaces at North Somerset Council said: “Libraries are at the heart of our communities - places where people come together, learn new skills, and access vital resources. But we know that the way people use libraries has changed. We need to hear from residents now to make sure our libraries remain accessible, welcoming, and sustainable for the future. Every response counts.”
When the consultation closes, all feedback will be carefully analysed. A full report with then be published, setting out the key themes and points raised by the public. This evidence will help shape recommendations for the future of library services, which will be presented to Cabinet and Full Council in February 2026.
Residents can get involved in several ways:
- Complete the survey online or pick up a paper copy in any North Somerset library.
- Encourage children and young people under 16 to complete the under-16’s survey.
- Attend drop-in events or send views directly via email or phone.
Both surveys, full details of the consultation, and supporting documents are available here - North Somerset library service transformation consultation 2025 | North Somerset Council
The consultation explores important questions such as:
- How opening hours could better match demand.
- How the service can reach communities that are currently underserved.
- How to maintain core services in the face of financial pressures.
By sharing their views, residents can directly influence how libraries are shaped for years to come.
“This is about working with our communities, not making decisions in isolation. Libraries are for everyone, and this consultation is a chance for people of all ages to come help us build a fair and future-proof service,” Cllr Mike Solomon, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Open Spaces at North Somerset Council further commented.