RECOMMENDATIONS for the future for Somerset’s libraries service, including Wellington and Wiveliscombe, will be published this month.

During the recent libraries service consultation, which ran from January to June, more than 7,000 responses from across Somerset were received including nearly 13,000 comments.

A report detailing the consultation findings and the council’s recommendations is expected to be published online on October 16 ahead of discussion by the council’s scrutiny committee for policy and place on October 24.

A link to the report will be forwarded to communities affected, along with further details on individual library recommendations.

Cllr David Hall, county council cabinet member with responsibility for libraries, said: “We are heartened by the number of responses and the feedback from communities we received. These are all being taken into account as we compile the report.

“It is clear that library services are valued across Somerset. Even in these tough financial times, we remain committed to delivering a strong, thriving library service while living within our means. Where a change to their existing library service is proposed, we encourage communities to continue talking with us.”

The report will detail the evidence of the need for library services and potential impacts of any change. It will include feedback from the libraries consultation and set out how the council will continue to ensure there is reasonable access to library services.

The council’s cabinet committee make a final decision on November 5.

If approved, cabinet’s decision will confirm if library services within communities will remain the same or be provided in other ways in future. This could be through Community Library Partnerships or, if these are not forthcoming, through mobile library and/or outreach services.