WARWICKSHIRE residents still love their local library services despite a number of council cutbacks – according to a new survey.
The poll of almost 5,000 Warwickshire library customers revealed a 92 per cent satisfaction rating – rising from 88 per cent from 2012.
Customer service now boasts a 98 per cent satisfaction rating and more than nine out of ten of those surveyed said they were happy with the inside of their library.
While the number of people coming to libraries for books has fallen to around 60 per cent, three quarters of people think they still provide a good range of books and facilities.
Warwickshire Councty Council (WCC) highlighted how although the number of people coming for books has fallen, there are now many other services offered at the county’s 18 libraries, including services to help the housebound, unemployed, people with health issues, and those who lack computer or internet skills.
The council said hard-working staff combined with investment in training, stock and tools had improved their libraries.
WCC customers spokeswoman Coun Kam Kaur said: “This survey shows our investment and hard work over the last four years has paid dividends and improved the library service.
“It has also highlighted shifts in behaviour, and the different local needs of customers which we will use to make Warwickshire’s libraries even better, and more relevant at a local level.”
Coun Matt Western, chair of the council’s Resources and Fire and Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee said: “85 per cent of residents are satisfied with the information our libraries provide – this high level of satisfaction is a testament to the hard work of staff.
“This survey is a great opportunity for residents to have their say, and for the service to progress.”
