Culture | Posted on June 10th, 2024 | return to news
New opening hours for Dorset libraries
Following a consultation with the #LetsTalkLibraries campaign, opening hours are to change at libraries across Dorset from 1 July.
Opening hours are to change at Dorset Libraries from 1 July following a recent consultation which revealed a number of concerns.
People said they wanted: standard hours so that customers know when a library is open; opening hours throughout the week Monday to Saturday; morning opening times for pre-school children and their carers, retirees and those who do not work; Saturdays and afternoon openings for school age children and young people; Saturdays, lunchtimes and evenings for those who work; and a spread of hours amongst a geographical group of libraries. This is so that not all libraries in a geographical area are closed on the same weekdays and times when the library is closed, and partners or community groups can hire it.
Aidan Dunn, executive director for Corporate Services, said: “Over the course of 18 months, through our #LetsTalkLibraries campaign, we consulted and collaborated with our customers, communities, employees and partners to develop a new Library Strategy, which was adopted and published in July 2023.
“The development of the strategy was community led and evidence based. Over the course of two phases of public consultation we built a clear picture of both what our current library users and our non-library users wanted to see from us, now and in the future.
“Our library teams are excited to welcome you during our new opening times.”
While some libraries may see a bigger change than others, overall, there are the same number of weekly staffed hours, 630 instead of 631, across the library network.
To find out more about the new opening hours visit: dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/new-library-opening-hours
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