People using Stafford Library can now get through the doors outside normal staffed hours, after evening self access was added to the service this month – would you like to see a similar service in Stone?
The scheme began on Monday 6 April and gives registered members aged 16 and over extra time to use the library without staff on site. That includes borrowing and returning books, using public computers, printing documents, and spending time in the building as a quiet place to work or read.
Staffordshire County Council says the move is aimed at helping people use library services at times that better fit around work, family life and other commitments.
Around 300 members have already signed up in Stafford, according to the county council, and the extended access now covers early mornings and evenings on weekdays.
That raises an obvious question a bit closer to home. Would people in Stone use something similar if it was offered here?
Stone Library already has a busy role in the town, with regular activities – but for some people, standard opening times can still be awkward.
Parents doing the school run, commuters heading to or from work, students needing a quiet place, and anyone wanting computer access later in the day might all see the appeal.
The self access model is not a full replacement for staffed library time. Users have to register first and attend an induction before they can use the building during unstaffed hours. In Stafford, the county council says there are also security measures in place, including CCTV and an emergency phone line.
Would you use self access hours at Stone Library if they were introduced?
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