A series of public forums to gather ideas from community members about the Armidale region's libraries, and changes they would like to see, will come to a close with a final session next week.
A 21st Century Libraries general forum for all interested people will be held on Wednesday 21 August at 1pm to 4pm, in the Armidale library meeting room.
"We're really encouraging people who rarely or never use the Armidale or Guyra libraries to come along," the Chair of Council's Community Wellbeing Advisory Committee, Councillor Debra O'Brien, said.
"We've received valuable input from participants at the forums held so far, to help develop a 21st Century Libraries Strategy to make the Armidale region's libraries more vibrant hubs where people can learn, join in group activities or just meet friends.
"That includes encouraging more people to make the libraries part of their day to day lives. So while we're inviting everyone to get involved in the forums, it's particularly important we hear from community members who seldom or never visit the libraries of make use of their services," Cr O'Brien said.
"What stops people from visiting the libraries and what new services or changes could we implement to get them involved?"
People unable to attend the community forum can provide their feedback on the 21st Century Libraries page on Council's community engagement website, Your Say Armidale.
"The online forums on the site are like a 24/7 version of the community forums," Cr O'Brien said.
"People who can't get along to one of the forums at the libraries, or would simply like to provide further input, can visit the online forum at any time – to tell us what they like about the libraries and how they would like to be able to use them in the future."
An online survey is also available as a quick and easy way to provide feedback. Participants can go into the running to win movie tickets. To participate in the online forums, complete the online survey or to check the times and locations of the community forums, visit https://yoursay.armidale.nsw.gov.au
