Residents of Pembrokeshire are being asked to have their say - in light of budget cuts threatening local library services.

Pembrokeshire County Council has stated that it needs to make changes to the library service to reduce its cost as part of wider measures to reduce costs across all of the Council’s services.

New Leader Cllr Jon Harvey said: “Like every department in the Council, we have to reduce our costs. It is imperative that we do so with a full understanding of what people need from our Library Services so that we can focus the resources that we have on those in most need.

“As such, we are launching an extensive Library Needs Assessment exercise, which will include public meetings, focus groups, one-to-one discussions with key stakeholders and a survey. This is an opportunity for local people to help us to shape the future of libraries in the county.

“Nine years ago, the Library Service faced similar budget challenges and undertook a similar Needs Assessment. That work led to the creation of a number of important partnerships with local communities and Town and Community Councils, which helped to protect libraries from closure.

“I am confident that by working together again, and getting an up-to-date understanding of people’s needs, we can find a way through this new challenge which will allow us to continue to provide services for all our population while in particular, protecting the most vulnerable.”

An extensive programme of engagement with residents, community groups and stakeholders will start from May 15 and will run through until August 6.

As part of the consultation, a questionnaire survey is available online and in paper copy (from libraries and other front facing PCC service points such as leisure centres and the archives); whilst public meetings will take place across the county during June, open to anyone who wishes to attend, at the following venues:

Monday, June 17, Pembroke Town Hall, Main Street, 6.30-8.30pm

Wednesday, June 19, Pater Hall, Pembroke Dock, 6.30-8.30pm

Tuesday, June 25, Greenhill Centre, Tenby, 6.30-8.30pm

Thursday, June 27, Milford Haven Library, Cedar Court, 6.30-8.30pm