Ulverston library set to open longer
Last updated at 17:03, Monday, 14 January 2013
UNPOPULAR half day closures at a town’s library will come to an end this week – to the delight of residents.
The decision to extend Ulverston library’s opening hours on Wednesdays, which will now close at 5pm, has been warmly welcomed in the town.
The library used to close at 1pm, a fact that was becoming a growing source of discontent.
Town councillor Norman Bishop-Rowe uses the library facilities on a regular basis and praised the decision.
He added: “The library is a wonderful asset and this is very good news.”
He said it is used by a large number of people of all ages, meaning the whole town stands to benefit.
He added: “Extending the opening hours will help a lot of people who come into town. A lot of students pop in and use it while they are waiting for a bus after school.”
Judy Pickthall, also a town councillor, welcomed a decision that enabled more people to take advantage of the facilities.
She said: “It is a lovely building and the internet facilities are excellent.
“A lot of people who don’t have computers themselves use them – I cannot fault this decision at all.”
Half day closures on Thursdays in Grange and Kendal libraries are also due to come to an end – all at no extra cost.
Implementation of more flexible working times will make the changes possible.
The decision was made by Cumbria County Council’s local committee for South Lakeland at the end of last year.
At the time members were told that, as a result of a consultation with service users, improving the library’s opening hours was a priority.
A report to the committee said: “The issue of library half day opening times in Kendal, Grange and Ulverston libraries has been an ongoing source of confusion and dissatisfaction to these communities.
“Through use of new technology and the flexibility of the staff in adopting better ways of working, we have been able to improve access to services and address a significant issue.”
Ulverston library will be celebrating the changes as it stays open this Wednesday afternoon with refreshments.
First published at 16:29, Monday, 14 January 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
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Posted by cccc on 18 January 2013 at 18:59