Posted on Tuesday 1st October 2024
Victoria Wilson outside Stafford Library
Customers at Stafford Library are getting greater flexibility and convenience thanks to a new self-access service offering extended opening hours.
From Monday to Friday, the library will be open from 8am to 10am for self-access, allowing registered members to use the library’s facilities before regular staffed hours.
More than 100 members have already signed up and are enjoying the flexibility of visiting the library early in the morning to borrow books, use the public computers, print documents, or simply enjoy the quiet space.
The scheme is part of the county council’s commitment to invest in new technologies and services, ensuring that residents can access library resources at times that suit them.
Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member for Culture and Communities at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“Our new self-access service isn’t just about extending opening hours, it's about offering library members more flexibility and convenience.
“Self-access reflects changing lifestyles and modern work patterns. This will allow customers who want to visit the library before work or other commitments to do so. This is part of our ongoing efforts to invest in new technology and improve our services for our customers.”
Victoria explains how the self-access scheme works in this short video.
The self-access service is available to all library members aged 16 and over who register for the service. Members must attend a short induction course to learn how to safely enter and use the library during unstaffed hours. CCTV is also in operation and security staff at the main reception at Staffordshire Place are present. Additionally, a dedicated phone line is available in the library for emergencies.
The county council continues to invest in its library service and last year, over 1.7 million visits were made to libraries across the county, marking a 55% increase in footfall. The success of community-managed libraries also continues to play a vital role in this growth, with many of Staffordshire’s libraries serving as key community hubs.
For more information on how to register for the self-access service, visit our libraries webpage or speak to a member of staff at Stafford Library.