Your Library, Your Way: First Library Flex branch goes live in Aylesbury

‘Library Flex’ has started today at Aylesbury Library – the latest milestone in Buckinghamshire Council’s commitment to providing extended opening hours and a modern, resilient, and accessible library service.

Library Flex is being introduced at eight main libraries across Buckinghamshire – Amersham, Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Buckingham, Chesham, Hazlemere, Marlow, and Princes Risborough – following extensive research into successful models elsewhere and a 10-week public consultation in 2024.

Cllr Peter Brazier, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture & Leisure, recently visited Aylesbury Library to complete his Library Flex induction and experience the new self-service facilities first-hand.

“This is a really good example of how we are doing things differently to improve and modernise our services. By extending opening hours and introducing technology already proven to work elsewhere, we can give customers more choice about when they want to visit the library, while also making savings,” said Cllr Brazier.

Cllr Brazier added: “When fully implemented, Library Flex will increase opening hours by at least 20% at Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Buckingham, Chesham, Hazlemere, Marlow and Princes Risborough libraries, and by 129% at Amersham Library within the Chilterns Lifestyle Centre. 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.”

The new model focuses staff availability during peak times, while offering self-service access during quieter periods, using technology already proven in other library services. To take advantage of the extended hours, customers will need to complete a short induction, with ‘show and tell’ sessions and ongoing support available to help users get started.

The council has worked closely with disability, equality, and family groups, and will continue to engage with stakeholders to ensure the service meets the needs of all residents.

While the rollout is ambitious and complex, the council is working hard to minimise any disruption. Community involvement is key to the success of Library Flex, and residents are encouraged to explore the new facilities and enjoy the benefits of longer opening hours, feeding back to the service their experience of the new way of working.

This initiative supports the council’s vision for a library service that offers safe, welcoming spaces where everyone can access reading, culture, and the information they need to learn, imagine, and thrive.

For more information on Library Flex, visit buckinghamshire.gov.uk/Library-Flex-Rollout