Citizens' Panel - Shape Your Bi-Borough Libraries and Archives Service

Overview

Libraries and Archives are important local services; they sit right in the heart of our communities. They provide welcoming spaces where people can read, learn, use computers and access printing services, find information, take part in activities, explore local history and connect with others.

They also support literacy, digital inclusion, health and wellbeing, community life and provide access to other council services. We know these services matter to many people and we want to understand what residents value most.

At the same time, both councils are facing significant financial pressures. This means we need to think carefully about how library and archive services are provided in the future, how resources are used, and how we keep services sustainable and relevant.

Key facts about our service in 2025/26:

Event attendees: 150,259

Visitor figures: 2,183,037

Members: 58,455 active members

Why your views matter

We want to hear from residents, community groups, and partners to tell us what is working well, what is not working, how we could work differently and what kind of libraries and archive service will be needed in the future. We want to hear about the services and spaces people use most, any barriers that make it harder to access them, and ideas for how libraries and archives can continue to make everyday life easier, fairer and more connected.