Worcestershire libraries have saved more than £300,000 in staff costs through a new opening-hours scheme.
Libraries Unlocked is now operating at 11 of the county’s 23 libraries, according to papers considered by a council panel.
The scheme extends opening hours using self-service technology, allowing members to access libraries when staff are not present.
Carol Brown, head of library services, said the programme had “met its objective of increasing library opening hours”.
LIBRARY: The Hive in Worcester (Image: The Hive)
At a meeting of Worcestershire County Council’s corporate and communities overview and scrutiny panel, she said: “We delivered just over £300,000 of staff savings through Libraries Unlocked and now 11 of Worcestershire’s 23 libraries have a service model in place that will help to futureproof them against continuing financial pressures.”
She said some customers still preferred more staffed opening hours, adding: “We know it’s not everyone.”
A council report said the model is being considered for Wythall Library, with discussions under way with Woodrush High School.
It will not be introduced at Alvechurch, Bewdley or Hagley libraries. Private finance initiative costs, a lack of landlord approval and a low return on investment, respectively, have prevented plans from progressing at the sites.
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Cabinet member for communities Josh Robinson thanked library staff and said libraries had a “really important role across Worcestershire”.
Panel chair Marcus Hart said he had been the cabinet member when Libraries Unlocked launched and was pleased to see it “go from strength to strength”.
Ms Brown said this is being done at a local level. She said library managers are working with schools and colleges, attending freshers’ fairs, “selling the value of the library to engage young kids” and particularly targeting the 13-17 age group.
“As a result of this activity they are definitely seeing an increase,” she said.
“More kids are definitely coming in to use libraries pre-exams.”
Cllr Paul Bennett said the service should better advertise libraries as quiet workspaces for people and children after school.
Library bosses said they are launching a new advertising campaign, starting in Kidderminster, aimed at non-library users and showing that libraries are “more than just books”.
