St John's Library is set to boost its community access with the arrival of Libraries Unlocked.

The new technology-driven initiative funded by Worcestershire County Council sees the library's opening hours significantly extended for members aged 15 and over.

The new accessibility is an upgrade on current services, and is available free of charge to library users.

 

 

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It will allow them to utilise the building and its facilities from 8am to 8pm from Monday to Saturday, even beyond the staffed hours.

The council has planned a Libraries Unlocked Introduction drop-in session at St John's Library for Monday, February 19, between 10am to 11:30am.

The session promises to offer insight into the functioning of Libraries Unlocked, and serve as a platform for exchanging ideas to optimise the new community service.

Councillor Marcus Hart, cabinet member for communities at the council, said: "I am thrilled that Libraries Unlocked is coming to St John’s Library and urge you to drop by and learn how it works, the benefits and how you can make the most of the new service.

"Libraries Unlocked is a brilliant idea that empowers families, working parents, and the entire community to access the library at their convenience."

As Libraries Unlocked members, patrons can borrow or return books, utilise the library's computers and wi-fi, benefit from dedicated study spaces, free meeting room hire and even host or attend community events at their convenience.

The Library Unlocked patrons currently utilising the service laud its impact on their library usage.

One user described it as a "brilliant idea and it's enabled us as a family to access the library more".

Another commented: "As a working Mum extended hours has allowed us to pop in at times the library wouldn’t be open normally."