Item 08 Appendix 2
West Dunbartonshire Council · 12 November 2025
Back to Corporate Services Committee — 12 November 2025 and its agenda
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Libraries Strategy Consultation 2025 Engagement Summary 348 Survey Responses Received 92% (320) are existing library members 79% (274) from the public and 21% (72) from employees of WDC 30% are parents or carers of a young person at school or nursery in West Dunbartonshire 70% female 30% response from those aged 65 and over falling to a low of 7% aged 16-24. Highest response rates from G81, G82 and G83 Lowest response rate from G63, G13 and G14 Further engagement taking place in secondary schools, BSL Group and 103 survey respondents indicated they would like to be involved in focus group regarding the strategy. Highlights Supporting Current Provision 98% think the library is valuable to the future of their community 90% report it is easy to get to their local library 89% rated the physical space and facilities of the library they visit as excellent or good 93% responded that the library layout and design is easy to navigate 89% stated that they felt the library is accessible to all members of the community including those with disabilities or limited mobility 88% think the library supports literacy for them/family 94% normally find what they are looking for when they visit the library Themes to consider Opening hours: there were equal responses of preferred days to visit the library with a fairly equal split of morning and afternoon visiting times. However, majority of comments or reasons why people may visit a library other than their closest one is due to opening hours. Working people saying they would like more evenings and longer weekend opening. “I work Monday to Friday so the only times I can take my child is at weekends but the library is only open for a couple of hours on a Saturday. A longer opening time on a Saturday and/or Sunday opening would mean we could visit more.” Appendix 2
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Accessibility: Of those who didn’t feel the library was accessible this mainly related to Clydebank and Dumbarton Libraries where there is not one entrance and accessible entrance isn’t well signposted. Parking issues also featured and the small size of some libraries Reasons for Visiting: Top five reasons are finding new books, relaxed environment, number of resources in one place, getting information and advice from staff, classes and activities Library Resources: 62% prefer to access books, newspapers, magazines via an in-person visit to the library. The most popular online resource offered is BorrowBox however 24% are not aware of the various online resources on offer Library Activities: 24% suggested an increase in activities and events for adults is required, followed by events for children and families and more access to health and wellbeing resources or activities. Greater awareness and promotion of activities/events is required. Digital Inclusion/Activities: suggestions received on more specific classes for older people in how to shop online, consumer information regarding energy costs, AI, social media, how to spot fake news and scam avoidance, short how-to videos Promotion and Marketing: many comments highlighting lack of awareness of activities/resources available. 63% of respondents suggested better engagement with community groups would help along with greater social media presence and attending community events. 55% of respondents suggested introducing an email newsletter Mobile Library: 8% of respondents use this service. many comments unaware of the service provision. Greater promotion is required for this and home delivery. Suggestions for improvement are more services available on board, different routes, timetable. “I have the mobile every 2 weeks, this is my connection to the community. I'd like to see other services use the mobile so mobile service has the same services activities as the other branches.”” Longer stops, Once a fortnight is ok but all of a sudden 4 weeks passes because I miss it”. Home Delivery: 27% respondents answered that they do use or may use this service in future School Libraries: 16% answered that they or their child accesses the school library however 26% responded that they don’t know. The most popular improvement suggested was for after/pre-school activities
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Selected General Comments; “Libraries are inspiring places. They provide a safe haven where access to information, computers and a world of literature is provided to all. They host learning activities, assist with information, books, printing and Internet access, etc, and have professional staff to provide support with finding what you need. They are brilliant locations for community projects to book as a meeting venue too as clients will feel safe attending there, and are a comfortable place to spend time reading as well. I can honestly say that the lives of myself and my children would have been catastrophically impacted if Libraries had not been consistently there for us over the years. For other families out there like mine, I sincerely hope that they will always be funded to be there for the community. They are so worth every penny spent for the wealth of contributions to change and growth in the community that they bring.” “Clydebank Library. It’s welcoming, warm and bright inside. Fantastic, inviting and topical book displays and there’s a community jigsaw which is a lovely touch. Comfy chairs too. It’s a great asset to WDC.” “I find WDC Libraries to be pretty innovative and really like the range of services they offer.” “I wasn't aware of most of the activities above even though I do visit Dalmuir, Clydebank & Dumbarton libraries fairly frequently so better visibility would be good. I also use the WDC library website, could advertise some of these activities on that forum.” “All the staff are welcoming, helpful and go out of their way”
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