Residents Help Shape Future of West Dunbartonshire Library Services

Published 12 November 2026

Residents have highlighted the importance of West Dunbartonshire's libraries as welcoming, inclusive and trusted community spaces following a recent public consultation.

A report to the Corporate Services Committee presented the findings of the consultation, which ran between November 2025 and January 2026, alongside detailed service, usage and financial information to help inform development of library services.

The consultation attracted 256 responses, with the majority coming from existing library members and feedback demonstrated strong support for maintaining accessible library services.

Access to materials, children's activities, study facilities, computers, Wi-Fi and knowledgeable staff were consistently identified as the most valued aspects of the service.

Councillor William Rooney, Convener of Corporate Services Committee, said: "Our library services play a vital role in communities across West Dunbartonshire, providing much more than access to books. They support learning, digital inclusion, health and wellbeing, and help tackle isolation by bringing people together in welcoming community spaces.

"I would like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation. Their feedback will help shape our programmes and ensure communities remain at the heart of the service."

Councillor Lawrence O’Neill, Vice Convener of Corporate Services, added: “We know how hard our library staff work with more than 4,000 activities and events during the year, attracting almost 35,000 attendances. Our busy branches welcomed more than 194,000 physical visits and over 475,000 virtual visits to our libraries services. Feedback from this consultation is vital in ensuring we continue to deliver services which are valued by our residents."

Committee approved the establishment of a cross-service working group to consider library services and estate, including service usage, accessibility, community need, building condition and affordability.

The group's work will be guided by the consultation findings and opportunities will also be provided for residents who expressed an interest in participating in future discussions.

Any recommendations from the group will be presented to a future meeting of Corporate Services for consideration.