Hertfordshire libraries could be opened up to outside groups (From Watford Observer)

Hertfordshire libraries could be opened up to outside groups

5:50pm Monday 3rd October 2011 in News By Mike Wright

Politicians in Hertfordshire are due to look at ways to make more money out of the county’s libraries by opening them up to outside organisations.

Proposals up for discussion at county hall this week could see volunteer and community groups invited to use library buildings for meetings and projects.

If it gets the go-ahead the move could also lead to extended library services for borrowers, officers said.

Councillors on Hertfordshire County Council’s local and libraries cabinet panel will look at the plans this Thursday.

The council is now in a position to allow some groups to set up pilot schemes to see how the project would work in practice.

Officers said while the libraries were potentially being used by outside groups, borrowers would then be able to access a limited library service where there were self-service kiosks.

A report to the committee said: “Where appropriate, the library’s lending stock could be made available to the public at times when voluntary groups are using the building through use if the self-service kiosks.

“A full library service would not be available during these operating times, but information and advice could be made available through use of an internal phone line to the customer service centre, whose staff have access to the library IT system.”

Officers said if the plan was approved then voluntary groups would be invited to come forward with ideas on how they could use the library buildings.