Central Library users to be asked for their views on future café provision

The current café at Central Library in Regent Circus will close next Monday (23 Dec) due to a reorganisation of the Council’s in-house catering arrangements.

But Swindon Libraries and Information Service will be asking library users for their input into what replaces it.

From 6 January 2020 a consultation will open asking for feedback on future sustainable options for the café space. People will have until 31 January, 2020 to submit their views.

Feedback will be collated during the first week in February before the library service invites expressions of interest from the market to run the facility. It is anticipated potential café providers will be assessed during March with the new café provision opening by May.

Councillor Keith Williams, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for libraries, said: “We know the café is a popular facility for some visitors to the library but the current provision is not paying its way at a time where we need to ensure we provide sustainable, cost-effective services.

“It is important we provide facilities that people want and will use, which is why we felt it was important to give library users some say in what the café will look like in the future.

“We need to get the balance right between what people want and what is going to be sustainable. I would encourage anyone who uses Central Library to give us their views so we can factor them into the new service.”

Details of the consultation will be made available from Monday, 6 January, 2020.