Help evaluate the changes made to Barnet's library service

Overview

The council has commissioned an independent evaluation of the Library Service and we would like to invite residents to give their feedback on the library services on offer, and how they might be improved in the future.

The evaluation, which is being carried out by an independent organisation called Activist Group, is intended to assess a number of changes made to Barnet’s Library Service in 2016, and to recommend any further adaptions and improvements which will help enhance the service in the future.

Activist will be reviewing the impact of the changes on people who live, work and study in the borough. We want to hear your views.

Background

In 2016 the council approved plans to reduce the cost of the library service in response to reductions in local authority spending. After extensive consultation with residents, the council chose to keep open the existing network of 14 libraries, but made a range of other changes including the introduction of self-service opening technology, reconfiguration to the layout of each libraries, changes to opening hours and staffing, and the introduction of four partnership libraries. Full details of the changes can be found in the committee report Barnet’s Future Library Service.

How to take part in the evaluation

Please take time to complete Activist Group's online questionnaire. The questionnaire is easy to complete and should take no more than 10 to 15 minutes of your time. There is also an opportunity to provide more feedback and to give further ideas at the end of the questionnaire.

We want to hear your views (whether you use a library or not).

Activist Group are also holding two public events to gather people’s ideas and views. Everyone is welcome to attend these important meetings.

Chipping Barnet Library at 7pm-8.30pm on Thursday 16 January 2020.

Colindale Library 2pm-3.30pm on Saturday 18 January 2020.