Verwood Library members given 'extended access'
It's the first Dorset Council library to offer the out-of-hours services
Verwood Library's become the first run by Dorset Council to offer 'extended access' for members.
That gives customers entry outside of normal opening hours and access to services like borrowing books, returning items, using the wi-fi and computers, or hiring rooms for community events - on top of staffed times.
Members have already been praising the longer access to services, saying:
"This is a fantastic resource for the town. Now I can access at my convenience, meet people and pop in when I'm passing. I am delighted!"
“I usually work from home and Extended Access means I can use the library from early until late when it suits me, which is great.”
“The introduction was easy to do online and answered all my questions. I really like the quietness of the library in early evenings, and it’s very convenient to use the free wi-fi and computers there.”
Any Verwood Library member over the age of 16 can upgrade to Extended Access membership, which will allow them to enter the library using their membership card outside of normal opening hours and use library facilities when staff are not present.
Cllr Ryan Hope, Portfolio Holder for Customer, Culture and Community Engagement at Dorset Council said:
“We are delighted to bring this new technology to Verwood Library, the first library in Dorset to benefit from this system of operating.
“Libraries are key community assets, growing beyond book loaning, with the spaces being used for meeting, studying, IT, events and socialising.
“This is a big step forward in our commitment to enhancing library access and services, and we know the residents will benefit significantly from this expansion of opening times.”
The changes at Verwood Library have been funded by Arts Council England, with extended access also planned for Sturminster Newton, Sherborne and Gillingham libraries.
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