Somerset Library Services Consultation 2018
Summary Proposal
Tell us your views on how we are proposing to deliver future library services in South East Somerset – Area 7 – Bruton, Castle Cary, Wincanton Libraries
The map below shows the existing three library buildings (green pins) in Bruton, Castle Cary and Wincanton and the existing mobile library stops (green dots) – 4 stops in this area per month.
© Mapbox
©Open street map contributers
*For definition of an active borrower, please see frequently asked questions
- The area includes the eastern part of South Somerset District.
- It has the smallest population (total 22,360) of the 9 library areas, and is relatively sparsely populated. The main towns are Wincanton (pop. 5,435), Castle Cary (pop. 3,232) and Bruton (pop. 2,984, including adjoining Pitcombe). Other sizeable communities include Templecombe (pop. 1,560) and Henstridge (pop. 1,530) in the south of the area.
- Commercial bus services run between Wincanton and Yeovil, linking Templecombe and Henstridge to Wincanton. A subsidised bus route links Castle Cary and Bruton to Wincanton and Street, and community transport serves most of the area, again running into Wincanton. The urban areas are small enough for walking and cycling access to town centres.
- The area is some distance away from the major towns of Somerset, with drive times to Yeovil or Frome of approximately 25 to 30 minutes from Wincanton and Castle Cary. In contrast, the three major towns are all within 10 minutes’ drive of one another, and the vast majority of the area can be reached in 15 minutes’ drive from Wincanton.
- Compared to other library areas, there are no significant areas of deprivation. Only 3 neighbourhoods – in Wincanton, Henstridge and Castle Cary – are more deprived than the Somerset average. Employment and income levels are higher than elsewhere in Somerset in the area as a whole, however income is relatively low (in the 40% most deprived for income deprivation) in Castle Cary. Many of the rural parts of the area have high levels of income and employment.
- Educational attainment and school readiness levels are lowest in Wincanton (which has a neighbourhood in the 20% most deprived nationally for education deprivation); educational attainment in Castle Cary is also relatively low. Social isolation is most pronounced in Castle Cary and Wincanton, and digital exclusion appears to be a significant issue in Castle Cary and Henstridge.
| Metric | Bruton Library | Castle Cary Library | Wincanton Library |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catchment population | 4,698 | 8,326 | 18,121 |
| Opening Hours per week | 12 | 19.5 | 28.5 |
| Active borrowers* | 355 | 592 | 1,671 |
| Annual footfall | 5,096 | 8,832 | 29,564 |
*For definition of an active borrower, please see frequently asked questions
Further Detailed Information
Further evidence of need (including deprivation and usage), access to alternative libraries and value for money, which we have used to develop our proposals can be found here. The detailed impact assessments can also be found here. We are seeking your views on all of this information, and would encourage you to look at this further detail.
Proposal
The following options demonstrate the aim to keep as many library buildings as possible open. The options highlight, however, that for a number of libraries we may require community support to help us achieve this. We stress that library services will continue across Somerset, whatever the outcome of this consultation.
If we are unable to keep library buildings open in communities, we will deliver library services in other ways, such as through outreach (such as in alternative venues within communities), online or mobile library services.
Please now consider the following option proposals and complete the questionnaire, basing your answers on the library you visit most often.
| Bruton Library | Proposals |
|---|---|
| Option A | Provide library services through a partnership with the local community to maintain a library building in Bruton. |
| Option B | Provide library services through an additional mobile library stop in Bruton (at least once a month). This would mean the closure of the current library building. |
| Castle Cary Library | Proposals |
|---|---|
| Option A | Provide library services through a partnership with the local community to maintain a library building in Castle Cary (supported by some funding from the County Council). |
| Option B | Provide library services through an additional mobile library stop in Castle Cary (at least once a month). This would mean the closure of the current library building, with library services being provided in other ways. |
| Wincanton Library | Proposals |
|---|---|
| Option A | No change to existing library services. |