Councillors in Bucks have approved controversial plans in the way eight libraries across Buckinghamshire will operate.
The plan, dubbed ‘Library Flex’, is to introduce new self-service kiosks for borrowing books, as well as other user-operated technology, while also reducing staffed hours by 25-30 per cent and relying more on volunteers and community groups to run libraries when there are no staff on site.
The new way of operating will see opening hours in Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Buckingham, Chesham, Hazlemere, Marlow and Princes Risborough libraries increase by 23% from June. Amersham Library will pilot enhanced opening times with the library open seven days a week from 7am to 9pm on weekdays and from 7am to 7pm at weekends, an increase of 129%.
Up to 20 staff could be laid off under the council’s plans, meaning staffed hours are set to be reduced by between 25 and 30 per cent.
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