OPENING hours at Bishop’s Stortford and Sawbridgeworth libraries could be extended if community organisations take up a Herts County Council challenge.
Earlier this year, opening hours at both were slashed to save money, but now the authority is considering a new initiative to let local voluntary groups use the premises out of hours.
That in turn would mean the public could use the library during those hours and borrow, return or renew books and DVDs via the self-service checkout system or use the computers.
Cllr Colin Woodward, a county councillor for Stortford, hoped the town would be at the “forefront” of the project and is asking interested groups to contact him. He will be meeting senior library management at County Hall to firm up the details.
Cllr Chris Hayward, HCC’s cabinet member for libraries, said: “The library service has been restructured and, while we have not closed any branches, it has been necessary to reduce opening hours by one-third.
“To help make the most of these important public spaces, we’re offering local voluntary groups the chance to use them out of hours.
“While the buildings will not be staffed during these extended hours, the county council’s customer services team will be available to provide support via telephone.
“We hope this innovative initiative will make libraries more like community hubs than simply learning resources. This will benefit our communities and help build stronger links with voluntary groups in Herts.”
The council will develop this policy by establishing pilot schemes so that operational issues can be ironed out and benefits evaluated before the project is launched across the county.
