Introduction
Libraries affect the people of Dorset throughout their entire lives, from rhyme time for toddlers to digital literacy lessons for the elderly. The new strategy has been formed following extensive public consultation including a diverse range of workshops and over 12,500 survey responses from Dorset residents, partners, employees, Councillors and businesses. We also carried out a detailed analysis of community need across Dorset.
The new strategy seeks to provide Dorset communities with a library service that is modern, sustainable and accessible. 36 actions set out how we will work towards achieving our aims in the short term (2023 to 2026), medium term (2026 to 2029) and longer term.
The action plan is split into our 3 strategic themes: Inspire, Connect, Enable, with their 19 strategic aims. The plan links the actions to the five goals of the Dorset Council Plan. Milestones have been identified that can be used to measure progress and keep the new library strategy on course to meet the needs of the people of Dorset.