Libraries around Sheffield will see their doors open for longer following a recent council meeting.
At the Communities, Park and Leisure Committee meeting on the 11th of March, Sheffield Council decided to increase library opening times from 31 to 34 hours a week.
Councillor Richard Williams, the chair of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Committee, said the increase in hours is ‘really helpful for the people of Sheffield’.
Mabel Perry, 20, a History and Languages student, was asked about this change when she said: “I enjoy going to different libraries around Sheffield and the increase in opening hours is really exciting.”
This increase comes following a 12 month review of the library services, with a large demand and positive feedback from locals being the driving force behind the change.
Speaking on the evaluation of the Council-run library system Councillor Williams said: “There has been a major review which I think will be very exciting and will improve the experience of residents.”
Community Hub Libraries to keep five days a week opening hours (youtube.com): Community hub libraries increase opening hoursWhen asked about the Council’s role in the increase, Miss Perry said: “People often complain that Council’s don’t do enough, but they’ve clearly listened here which is so important.”
During the Council’s review, they trialled the new approach to opening times in the 11 hub libraries across the city. All hubs were given the opening times from 10am – 5pm whilst being open from Monday to Wednesday as well as Friday to Saturday.
The trial was a success with all hub libraries continuing the more simplified timetable, which has resulted in 750,000 visits to hub libraries the last ten months. This has seen an increase of 125,000 more visits than the previous year.
600,000 books have been borrowed so far this year, with the number increasing every day.
Chapeltown, Crystal Peaks, Darnall, Ecclesall, Firth Park, Highfield, Hillsborough, Manor, Parson Cross, Stocksbridge and Woodseats are all seeing the standardised and increased hours imposed permanently in an attempt to use staffing more flexible and adhere to customer demands.