LIBRARY members will be able to access library buildings and services out of hours in a trial scheme being launched at two city libraries.
Library Plus has just launched at Knighton and Evington libraries. It means people will be able to access both libraries before and after standard staffed opening hours, from Monday to Friday.
The Library Plus trial has been developed to provide better access to library services. Customers will be able to visit the two libraries before and after their daytime activities at times which suit them best.
Access will be through a member’s library card and PIN. They will be able to scan their card at a card reader, and then enter their PIN for access to the building. Anyone who wants to take part in the trial will need to take part in an induction, and they must be 16 or over. Children will be allowed into the library out of hours, but they will need to be accompanied by an adult (18+) who has taken part in the induction process.
Customers will be able to borrow and return books, use the public computers and wifi, and use the study desks. Monitored CCTV coverage will be in place, and if there are any problems, an emergency phoneline will be available for customers to talk to the library access team.
Heating, lighting and building alarms will be controlled by the Library Plus access system.
Assistant city mayor Cllr Kirk Master said: “The aim of the trial is to make best use of the two libraries by providing self-service access to services outside of staffed hours. The trial will not include any changes to standard staffed opening hours.
“We know how much people value our library services, so we want to make them available to people as much as possible. It’s about adding to what we currently offer.”
Customers over 16 years old can sign up to Library Plus self-access by contacting Evington or Knighton libraries by phone (0116 221 1286 for Evington; 0116 299 5477 for Knighton) or in person to request an induction.
Find out more about Leicester’s libraries, the range of services on offer and how to join at www.leicester.gov.uk/libraries
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