Library Flex is an innovative new delivery model for 8 of our larger libraries that allows us to maintain our libraries, offer longer opening hours for our customers and make significant savings.
What is Library Flex?
When fully implemented, Library Flex will increase the opening hours at 7 main libraries by at least 20% and the opening hours at Amersham Library will increase by 129%.
Staff will be in place at the busiest times, with self-service technology available at other times, along with security measures to reassure customers. There is scope to further increase opening hours in future in line with resident demand.
Library Flex enables customers to use library services without staff being present during quieter times, while ensuring staff are available to offer assistance and answer enquiries at busier times. It will also provide the flexibility for wider services and community organisations to make use of the library space outside of staffed hours, for example for events and meetings.
There will be a comprehensive induction programme to support customers and organisations who wish to use these libraries during unstaffed hours. The extensive safety measures in place will include live CCTV, emergency phones and upgraded alarm systems. Officers will be working with local disability organisations to design signage, guides and inductions sessions that are inclusive.
The Council’s Cabinet agreed to implement Library Flex on 2 January 2025 – you can read the report online giving more background information and detail.
Which libraries will operate Library Flex?
View the libraries
Library Flex will be available in these libraries:
Temporary opening hours to prepare for Library Flex
In the latest phase of the carefully managed implementation of this complex project, we will temporarily reduce (from 2 June) the opening hours of the eight libraries involved. This is prior to launching Library Flex extended opening hours across these locations in July and August. There will be a programme of staggered implementation to allow sufficient time for each site to be properly tested and quality assured and when we are satisfied that all Library Flex systems are in place we will then confirm the launch date with our customers.
We need to install new IT systems, make alterations to interiors including doors, locks and storage, change or upgrade lighting, fit alarms, and put in place CCTV cameras and Tannoy systems. The new system will then be robustly tested at each location before we go live.