Shropshire Council has launched a consultation into the future of its Schools Library Service with schools and the public invited to share their thoughts.
In Shropshire, the Schools Library Service operates as a traded service, which schools can buy into, and around 65% of schools in Shropshire choose to do so.
Schools that subscribe to the service can borrow books and artefacts relating to school topics, and receive training for staff and pupil librarians. Schools can use the service to supplement their own stocks of books and resources.
Schools receive funding provided directly through grants from the Government to ensure children and young people have access to books and other suitable education materials necessary to support the curriculum. Schools Library Service does not sell books to schools, and schools run their own libraries independently. 35% of Shropshire schools choose not to use the service, using alternatives already.
The service has been operating at a loss for the last two financial years and the council cannot continue to fund any future deficits by Schools Library Service. Any future service, if retained, would require more schools to subscribe to the service, and to pay more.
The council has invited schools to respond to a consultation to capture ideas, including whether they would be willing to pay more for the service, or start using the service if they don’t already, to make it financially viable for the future.
Families and the public are also able to respond to a survey to share their thoughts on the plans. Click here to read more on the consultation which runs until & June 2024 School Library Service | Shropshire Council