THE future of York's libraries is in the spotlight in a 14 week long public consultation launched ahead of key contract negotiations next year.

The council opened the consultation on Thursday, November 9, asking people in the city what they will need from libraries in the future.

Mutual organisation Explore York has been running libraries in York since 2014, but its contract with City of York Council is due for renewal in 2019 so negotiations will start next year.

Cllr Ann Reid, interim executive member for culture, leisure and tourism at City of York, said: “It is important that we really understand what residents would like to see for the future of their library services and whether our vision for the service and the buildings is on the right lines. I would urge everyone to take this chance to let us know their views.

A survey asking people for their thoughts on the library service in York is available online at www.york.gov.uk/consultations, and staff at any library or at the council's West Offices HQ will be able to help. The deadline is Wednesday, February 14.

“To understand what residents would like to see for the future of their library services and whether our vision for the service and the buildings is on the right lines, please complete the survey," Cllr Reid added.

York’s libraries are recognised as being very successful and among the best used in the country, and last month city councillors voted for consultation with the public about their future.

They also backed a commitment to no cuts in the number of staffed libraries in York.

However, council officials have said many library buildings are in poor condition, and together need around £3million in repairs in coming years.

A spokesman said: "The council recognises that users want to see improvement in the fabric of the library buildings.

"The council’s vision is to have libraries as centres of learning and opportunity for all. This would see state-of-the-art learning spaces stocked with a broad range of materials that promote reading and literacy and support people with the information they need. Flexible spaces would support formal and informal learning including a range of learning programmes, complemented by the latest digital technologies with free, online access."

The consultation looks at library buildings, how much potential there is for volunteers to help out and whether other services could share space with the libraries, among other things.