DORSET COUNTY Council is encouraging people to have their say after launching its consultation on the future of the county’s library service.

The council held a seminar with representatives from the 20 communities whose libraries could lose out on funding and wants people to give their feedback on how it can provide a sustainable service in the future.

Hilary Cox, the council’s cabinet member for community services, said: “We recognise that every local community is unique and that one size does not fit all.

“We want to consult with a wide range of audiences, including community leaders, local councils, library users and residents to ensure all views are heard.

“It is also very important that we hear from people who never set foot inside a library.

“In many ways, they are the silent majority and we want to know what kind of a service they would like to see in Dorset, what might make them more inclined to use their local library.

“Questionnaires are now available in all libraries and online for people to let us know their views and the impact the proposal will have on them individually.

“We are also organising further events in the near future to continue the work with all interested parties.”

Paul Leivers, head of community services at Dorset County Council, added: “We believe the options outlined in the library service consultation questionnaire are set out in an open, balanced and accurate fashion and we look forward to hearing the views of the people of Dorset.”