Herefordshire Libraries play a vital role in supporting people, communities and places across the county.

As a statutory public service, libraries provide free and open access to knowledge, information and reading, alongside safe and welcoming spaces where people can connect, learn and take part in community life.

In rural counties, libraries are often one of the most accessible and trusted public services. They support residents of all ages to develop skills, improve wellbeing and access the services and opportunities they need to live well.

Consultation with residents confirms strong support for Herefordshire Libraries, with high levels of satisfaction and regular use.

Feedback highlights that access to books and reading remains the primary reason people use libraries, alongside the importance of safe, welcoming spaces and support for children and families.

"There is nothing better than coming to the library, having welcoming space and browsing through books on the shelf. I always come in to pick up one book and come away with something else that looks interesting."

This strategy strengthens the core offer while improving access, awareness and flexibility of delivery, ensuring libraries respond to changing needs while maintaining their core purpose and public value.

It sits alongside the service business plan, which sets out how this strategy will be delivered. Together, these provide a clear and sustainable framework for the future of library services in Herefordshire, ensuring they remain relevant, inclusive and effective for the communities they serve.

The strategy supports wider priorities for Herefordshire Council and the Community Wellbeing directorate and sits within the broader direction of Cultural Services.

Herefordshire Council has a statutory duty under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service for all people living, working or studying in the county.

Herefordshire Libraries exists to fulfil this duty by bringing people together through access to knowledge and information in trusted spaces that help everyone live well in Herefordshire.

The service meets its statutory responsibilities by:

• Providing free access to books, reading materials and information in a variety of formats
• Ensuring library services are available and accessible to all communities across the county
• Supporting reading, literacy and learning at every stage of life
• Offering safe, welcoming spaces that promote inclusion, wellbeing and social connection
• Providing access to digital resources, computers and online information
• Working in partnership with communities, volunteers and other services to ensure the service remains comprehensive and efficient in a rural context

This strategy reflects the current national framework for public libraries in England, including the Department for Culture, Media and Sport guidance Libraries as a statutory service and Libraries Connected's Universal Library Offers.

It also recognises current national priorities around reading, access and modern library provision.

Herefordshire Libraries will respond to this framework in ways that reflect local need and the realities of delivering services in a rural county.

To be recognised for excellence in rural library provision, inspiring people through reading, knowledge and connection, supporting wellbeing and helping communities thrive.

Understanding the context in which Herefordshire Libraries operates is essential to ensuring the service remains relevant, accessible and effective.

This section brings together demographic, geographic and service data alongside resident feedback to identify where the library service can have the greatest impact.

5.1 Population and demographic trends

Herefordshire is a predominantly rural county with an ageing population and dispersed settlements. Many residents live at distance from key services, and there are areas of deprivation and child poverty, particularly in parts of Hereford and some market towns.

While overall levels of deprivation are lower than the national average, there are still concentrated areas of higher need across the county.

Rural deprivation can also be less visible, with challenges such as transport, isolation and access to services affecting wider communities.

These factors increase the importance of accessible, inclusive services that support reading, learning and wellbeing.

5.2 Rural access and transport

Access to services is shaped by limited public transport, travel distances and local infrastructure. For some residents, particularly those without access to a car, this creates barriers to using library services.

Consultation feedback highlights the impact of opening hours, transport and location on people’s ability to use libraries, particularly for working age residents and families.

"Leominster Library is amazing. It is always welcoming and friendly and the staff know lots of things about the local area and help us with lots of things, not just about books. I wish it was open every day."

Improving access and convenience is therefore a key issue for the service.

"Borrowbox is brilliant. In such a rural county making library services accessible online is very important."

5.3 Deprivation and inequality

There are clear inequalities across the county, including lower incomes, reduced access to services and higher levels of isolation in some communities.

Libraries help address these challenges by providing free access to books, information, digital services and welcoming spaces.

This role is particularly important for people facing barriers to participation and access.

"Libraries are one of the few public places you can go to without having to pay, and where you can happily spend time, and sit and read or use the computers or look at displays. You can have a chat with other people. In cold weather they're a warm space refuge. I've met local councillors in there, local police officer and before the local banking hub opened at last (thank goodness) there were also banking services. Above all else with access to books and information. They are essential."

5.4 Digital access skills

Digital access is increasingly important for everyday life, but levels of confidence and access to technology vary. Libraries provide free access to computers, the internet and support.

Digital services such as eBooks and eAudio extend access beyond physical locations.

However, consultation feedback shows that digital services are not the primary reason people use libraries and are expected to complement rather than replace physical books and spaces.

5.5 Health and wellbeing

Herefordshire has higher than average levels of long-term health conditions and an ageing population. Social isolation and loneliness are significant challenges for some residents.

Libraries contribute to wellbeing by providing safe, welcoming spaces where people can spend time and connect with others. Feedback consistently highlights their role as trusted local environments that support community connection.

"Really good community asset. It helps us run our book group which is great for mental health and social welfare. It wouldn't be the same if everything is online. The library is a safe, happy place that helps children to access books parents may not be able to afford, especially if they can't access the internet in a way that is suitable to read a book. It's inclusive and vital in a small community."

5.6 Library usage and engagement patterns

Engagement with library services is strong, with most respondents using libraries regularly.

Access to books and reading remains the primary reason people use libraries.

Residents also value libraries as places to read, study and spend time, with quiet space highlighted as an important part of the offer.

Children and families are a key user group, using libraries for reading, learning and activities.

"Having a local library with welcoming friendly staff has been invaluable for my young family (children aged 4 and 7) - we have been visiting regularly since birth and it has definitely supported and developed their love of books and the fact that they choose to visit the library as a fun space. It has been great for me as an adult getting back into regular reading and being able to reserve books. Also quiet space to work (as I work remotely and need change from home sometime) and the ability to send printing to the library is really useful."

5.7 Resident insight and consultation findings

Consultation confirms that libraries are widely valued and well used. Access to books and reading is central to this, alongside the importance of safe, welcoming spaces.

Feedback identifies clear areas for improvement, including opening hours, access to services, awareness of what libraries offer and the range and availability of book stock.

There is also strong feedback on the need for a high quality, accessible central library offer in Hereford.

These findings highlight the need to strengthen the core offer, improve access and ensure libraries continue to support wellbeing and community connection across the county.

These priorities are drawn directly from consultation with residents, partners and council services, and respond to the needs identified by residents. Together, they set the strategic direction for Herefordshire Libraries over the period of this strategy.

6.1 Reading, learning and skills

Strengthen the core statutory and universal offer so more people read, learn and build skills at every stage of life. The service will focus on early years reading, children and young people, adult reading and learning, and support for study, employability and skills.

It will strengthen the quality and availability of book stock, ensuring a wider choice, up to date titles and improved access across the network, responding directly to user demand.

6.2 Access, inclusion and community reach

Increase access so that more people can use and benefit from library services, especially those facing barriers.

The service will expand rural access and outreach, reduce physical, digital and communication barriers, and work with partners to better understand and respond to the needs of different communities across Herefordshire.

6.3 Health, wellbeing and connection

Strengthen libraries' role as trusted local spaces that support wellbeing, reduce isolation and strengthen community connection.

The service will develop social prescribing, expand community programmes, protect safe and welcoming spaces, and work with partners to better support people who need additional help.

6.4 A sustainable and modern library service

Build a resilient, efficient and adaptable library service that makes best use of resources and remains relevant to changing needs.

The service will strengthen digital access, build staff skills, strengthen partnerships, make better use of buildings and assets, and extend its reach across Herefordshire.

Together, these priorities set a clear direction for the service and provide the framework for delivery through the business plan.

The priorities set out in this strategy will be delivered through the Herefordshire Libraries Business Plan 2026-30.

This section sets out the high-level delivery approach for the period of the strategy.

Delivery will focus on:

• Reading, learning and skills by strengthening the core reading offer, improving the quality and availability of book stock, and supporting reading, learning and skills development at every stage of life.
• Access, inclusion and community reach by expanding outreach, reducing barriers to access, and working with partners so the service responds to the needs of different communities across Herefordshire.
• Health, wellbeing and connection by developing social prescribing, expanding community programmes, protecting safe and welcoming spaces, and working with partners to support people who need additional help.
• A sustainable and modern library service by strengthening digital access, building staff skills, strengthening partnerships, making effective use of buildings and assets, and extending the reach of the service across Herefordshire.

Progress will be supported by performance monitoring, user feedback and standard reporting arrangements, with detailed delivery managed through the business plan.

This strategy sets a clear direction for Herefordshire Libraries to 2030, rooted in statutory responsibility, local need and the wider value libraries bring to communities.

Through these priorities, the service will strengthen its core offer, extend access, support wellbeing and community connection, and remain sustainable and relevant for the future.

Detailed delivery will be set out in the Herefordshire Libraries Business Plan 2026 to 2030 and supported through ongoing monitoring, feedback and review.