New and improved Library Flex model approved for eight Bucks libraries

Library Flex is Buckinghamshire’s new model which will introduce technology to increase opening hours at these sites and enable customers to use library services without staff being present during quieter times. Staff will then be available to offer assistance and answer enquiries at busier times.

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%.

The decision to adopt Library Flex follows an extensive 10-week consultation which ran between July and September last year. The consultation sought to understand demand for library services and the need for staff assistance across the different sites.

Two of the key topics raised in the consultation included queries on safety during the times when staff would not be present and how the new model would address inclusion for those with additional needs. To address concerns about safety, new arrangements will include enhanced live monitoring of CCTV, upgraded fire and intruder alarms, occupancy management, electronic locks and safety information to be available in a range of formats including video, QR and braille.

Comments and suggestions from disabled individuals and groups have been particularly helpful in ensuring facilities are inclusive. Some groups have offered to work with the library service to trial new arrangements, test the induction process, provide accessible information materials and deliver in-person training, to ensure that people with disabilities and special educational needs are informed and supported.

Clive Harriss, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, said:

“We know how important local library services are to so many people. With this in mind, we wanted to explore ways to improve accessibility and provision for the wider community. Traditional opening hours don’t suit everybody, but our new offer means more people will now be able to access our services at times that better suit them.

“Whilst some of the drive for change arises from a need to make budget saving, one of our key priorities in designing the new service has been to ensure that staff are available at the times when they are most needed and to provide a service that is safe and inclusive. We hope that local communities will welcome these exciting new changes and the many positives they bring.”

A different approach has been taken with Burnham Library and High Wycombe Library, where due to building layouts the Library Flex format is not suitable. Within the same consultation last year, people were able to give their opinion on the proposals for these two libraries.

In High Wycombe, the layout will be modified, and the library will open on a Monday instead of a Sunday, to better meet customer needs, with no change in the overall number of opening hours.

In Burnham, hours will reduce from 38 to 27 per week to ensure effective delivery of a sustainable service. Options to engage volunteers to enable the library to remain open for longer were explored but were not successful.