Essex residents have until 1pm on January 21 to submit their views on Essex County Council’s draft Everyone’s Library Service 2022-2026 plan.

The plan commits to keeping all 74 libraries open of the county’s libraries open – the council had to drop closure plans in 2019 after public pressure – with investment in training and the upskilling of existing library staff. Helping children and adults improve their literacy, encouraging people to enjoy reading for pleasure and increasing the range of online resources available to customers are also part of the proposals.

The plan, along with a feedback form, can be seen here.