Out-of-hours use of libraries plan revealed (From Borehamwood Times)

Borehamwood Library could be used out-of-hours by voluntary groups

2:51pm Tuesday 25th October 2011 in News By Tristan Kirk

BOREHAMWOOD Library could be opened out-of-hours for community use, Hertfordshire County Council has said.

A plan is being considered to allow voluntary and community groups to use the libraries across the county for meetings, workshops, and to deliver services.

The idea comes three months after drastic cuts were made to the opening hours of libraries, including an almost 40 per cent cut in the time Borehamwood Library is open to the public.

It is not yet known whether the library in Elstree Way will be included in the council's pilot scheme, before it assess whether to roll-it out more widely.

Chris Hayward, cabinet member for libraries, described the idea as “innovative and exciting”, and said it would be a step towards making libraries into community hubs.

He said: “To help make the most of these important public spaces we're offering local voluntary groups the chance to use libraries buildings out-of-hours.

“It is also possible that members of the public will be able to use their local library during these extended hours to borrow, return or renew books and DVDs, pay fines or use the public computers.”

Library opening hours were cut due to “extreme financial pressures”, but the council sought to avoid having to close a branch completely.