Residents are being invited to a public meeting that will explore the future shape of the library services in St Albans.

The public meeting will be held at St Albans Library in The Maltings on Thursday, November 14 at 7.15pm.

The meeting will be part of an extensive countywide consultation with local residents about what Hertfordshire libraries might look like in ten years time.

The consultation is the start of a process by Hertfordshire County Council to develop a new ten year strategy to ensure the county’s libraries continue to provide a modern and relevant service.

A total of ten public meetings are being held, one in each district of the county. There will also be drop-in sessions at all the libraries for people to find out more about the consultation. Frances Button, cabinet member with responsibilities for libraries, and key officers will be on hand at the public meeting to answer questions and discuss issues raised by local people.

The county council wants residents to help shape the library service of the future and is keen to hear their views about priorities.

Frances Button said: "Our aim is for Hertfordshire libraries to be fit for the future, providing residents with the right services in the right places."

She said the consultation was the starting point for a conversation about the future of the county’s libraries, involving residents right at the start, before any decisions are made.

She is urging as many people as possible to have their say by attending the public meetings, drop-in sessions and completing a questionnaire online at http://www.hertsdirect.org/libraryconsultation