Information on Loughborough

Loughborough library to reopen

Posted on 10/11/2009

Leicestershire Councty Council Community Services

9 November 2009

Loughborough library to reopen

Self-service machines are among the features at Loughborough’s library, which reopens at 10.00am on Monday (November 16th), following window replacement work.

Ernie White, Cabinet member for libraries, said: “The self-service machines will make the service quicker and easier for users and enable staff to help people around the library, instead of being confined to a desk.

“I know some people don’t like using self-service checkouts in supermarkets, but the library machines are much simpler – you can scan all your books at the same time, simply by putting them on the machine. And you can still get help from a member of staff if you wish.”

Features at Loughborough library include:

  • Self-service machines, which allow people to borrow and return books, CDs and DVDs, quickly and easily
  • An extensive range of books, DVDs and music CDs and newspapers and magazines
  • Comfortable seating, with special areas for children and for teenagers
  • Free use of computers and internet access

Activities in December include:

  • A family history for beginners session, from 2.00 - 5.00pm on December 3rd – places can be booked by ringing 01509 212 985
  • 15 minute health checks – sessions take place from 1.30 - 5.30pm on December 2nd. Please contact Jo Grant on 01509 634 836 to book
  • Special sessions for teenagers and young children

http://www.leics.gov.uk/loughborough_library

Media opportunity:

Any member of the press interested in attending the library opening at Loughborough can contact the press office on 0116 305 7046. You are welcome to try out the new library machines.

Background:

Self-service machines enable people to:

  • Borrow and return books, CDs and DVDs
  • Pay for any transactions, such as DVD hire fees and fines
  • Carry out their business whenever the library is open, instead of when a member of staff is available

Key facts about self-service:

  • A total of 28 machines will be installed at Leicestershire’s seven major libraries and nine shopping centre libraries, between now and March 2010
  • Library service desks will be replaced by a smaller help desk, where members of staff provide assistance
  • Other members of staff will “walk the floor” and help visitors to choose books or answer queries
  • Removing the main desks will free up more space for displays or browsing areas
  • The move will save around £350,000 – a total of 19 library posts, out of more than 400, will go through staff turnover
  • Libraries due to receive the machines are: Earl Shilton; Coalville; Lutterworth; Loughborough; Ashby; Blaby; Birstall; Hinckley; Glenfield; Broughton; Shepshed; Melton; Wigston; Syston; Oadby; Harborough.