Maidenhead & Windsor

Do you use your Windsor and Maidenhead public library - and if not, why not?

That's the question the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough library service is asking local residents as part of a wide-ranging review of library services across the borough.

The review - the first since 2001 - will look at the service currently offered to library users and identify what it can do to improve and attract new customers.

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult and community services, said this week: "We are very proud of our existing library service, but we have to ensure that we are giving residents what they want from their libraries so that we can attract even more users - and that's what this review is all about.

"We want you to help us make our service even more appealing and tell us what we can do to improve the facilities we offer.

"I would like to reassure people at the outset that this is not about reducing hours or closing libraries - we simply want to find out who uses the service and how we can improve it.

"The message is - this is your service and we want to hear your views. And it's not just the views of current users we are seeking - we would also like to hear from people who don't visit a library as to why they don't.

"So please make the most of this opportunity to have your say and help us give you what you really want from your library."

Windsor and Maidenhead Residents can take part in the review by:

• filling in a questionnaire available from their local library
• completing the questionnaire online at the Royal Borough website at www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/libraries_review.htm
• attending one of two public meetings on Tuesday 7 July in the Desborough Suite, Town Hall, Maidenhead from 6.30 - 8.30pm or the Council Chamber, Guildhall, High Street, Windsor on Thursday 9 July from 6.30 - 8.30pm. Refreshments will be available at both meetings and vouchers for two free DVD hires will also be on offer.

To reserve a seat at the Windsor and Maidenhead public meetings call 01189 626114 or email roland.kirby@ntlworld.com by Friday 3 July.

Following the consultation, a report and recommendations will be considered in the autumn.

For further information contact Mark Taylor, head of library, information, heritage and arts on 01628 796989.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead