Manchester residents are being urged to help shape the future of their local library by taking part in the Public Library User Survey.

Next week (from Monday 24 February), the survey will be available in all libraries run by Manchester City Council, giving people the chance to offer their thoughts on the service, what they think is being done well and any ways they think their library could be improved.

The survey, designed by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), is open to anyone aged 16 or over, should take no more than ten minutes to complete and can be filled in anonymously.

The last CIPFA survey conducted in Manchester, in 2016, found that 94 per cent of customers rated their local library as either good or very good, with 93 per cent saying that customer care was good or very good.

Satisfaction with the attractiveness of libraries’ internal and external appearance also rose compared to the previous CIPFA survey, which was conducted in 2012.

In line with suggestions received in the 2016 survey, a range of improvements have been introduced to libraries across the city, including a full makeover for Withington Library and increased opening hours, improvements to Newton Heath Library, new computers and printers at all libraries, ground floor improvements and extended opening for Wythenshawe Forum Library, more temporary exhibitions on display at Central Library and new soft furniture for smaller children at the Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre, Levenshulme.

Central Library’s services and facilities are used by more than 2 million people per year, making it the busiest library in the UK.  250,000 people have attended special events and activities at Central Library since it reopened its doors in 2014, following a major transformation project.

Executive Member for Skills, Culture and Leisure, Councillor Luthfur Rahman, said: “There’s always lots going on and so much to do in your local library, whether it’s reading, browsing, attending an event or a family activity, but we want to know how we can make our offer even better.

“Taking part in the Public Libraries User Survey gives you the chance to have your say on what you enjoy about your local libraries and what you think could improve.  Our team goes through the responses carefully to see what positive changes can be made, so your suggestions can make a big difference.

“The last survey revealed that the vast majority of users were happy with their experience of Manchester’s libraries, which is really encouraging, but we know there is always more we can do.  We’d be really grateful if you would take the survey and have your say.”

To find out much more about what happens in the venue and how you can join in by volunteering, go to www.manchester.gov.uk/libraries.