Bedford Borough Council has launched a public consultation on a new Library Strategy and options for the future development of Bedford Central Library.
The consultation on the draft Bedford Borough Library Strategy 2026-31 will help the Council understand future priorities for library services and identify which facilities and services are most important to residents and library-users.
The Council is also consulting on three different potential options for the future development of Bedford Central Library, which would seek to provide improved accessibility, greater visibility, enhanced facilities for children and families, and more flexible spaces for learning, community activities and digital inclusion. The consultation seeks views on the potential benefits of each option, any concerns that residents may have, and the services and facilities that people would most like to see in a future Central Library.
The proposed options also form part of wider plans to support regeneration within Bedford town centre. Bedford Borough Council has identified up to £4.5million of Local Regeneration Fund (LRF) grant funding that could be used to fund the future development of Bedford Central Library, subject to meeting the relevant government funding requirements.
The Council is keen to hear from everyone who lives, works, studies or uses library services in Bedford Borough. No decisions have been made regarding either adoption of the Library Strategy or the future development of Bedford Central Library, and consultation feedback will help inform future recommendations and decisions.
Councillor John Wheeler, Portfolio Holder for Customer Experience (including Leisure, Recreation and Culture) said; "Modern libraries are much more than places to borrow books. They support reading and literacy, promote digital access for everyone, provide safe spaces for study and learning, celebrate local culture, encourage creativity, promote health and wellbeing, support families and children, and bring communities together.
"We want libraries to remain at the heart of our communities – inspiring reading, supporting learning, promoting wellbeing and connecting people with opportunities.
"We are consulting on both our draft Library Strategy and options for the future development of Bedford Central Library because we want local people to help shape the future direction of the service.
"No decisions have been made. We want to hear from as many residents, library-users and stakeholders as possible before any future recommendations are considered."
Drop-in sessions are being held in the Borough’s libraries to enable residents and library users to ask questions relating to the proposal and outline any concerns.
Please click here to read the consultation information, draft Library Strategy and Frequently Asked Questions before completing the survey. Paper copies of the survey are also available in libraries and other Council locations.
The consultation runs until midday on 2 November. Find out more at www.bedford.gov.uk/LibraryConsultation.