Libraries to get longer opening

11:28am Wednesday 21st May 2008

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AS part of Dudley Council's ongoing modernisation programme, borough libraries are set to extend their opening hours in a bid to improve services.

Dudley and Gornal libraries will be the first to extend the opening times as part of an improved library service, which was given the go ahead by councillors last year.

Dudley library will be the first to introduce Sunday opening from June 22 with facilities opening from 10am until 2pm. The library will also be extending its Wednesday evening opening.

Gornal library will be opening its facilities for an extra 15 and a half hours a week, including a full day on a Thursday and Wednesday and Saturday afternoons from June 23.

Councillor Michael Evans, Cabinet member responsible for libraries, said: "Extending the opening hours, including Sunday opening of well used libraries is as a result of consultation feedback from library users."

The extended services, which will see borough libraries being open for a further 75 hours in total by March 2009, follows the impending closures of Woodside and Dudley Wood libraries, which are set to close the doors for the final time in the summer.

As well as longer opening hours, Dudley Council will also be introducing four new library links across the borough, which will be smaller library facilities located in community buildings.

Woodside Library Link will be based at the new Highgate Children's Centre at Highgate Primary School and Dudley Wood Library Link at the Dudley Wood Neighbourhood Learning Centre.

The new service will provide more than 1,500 books, computer access, personal service from library staff for at least ten hours a week and activities such as homework clubs and reading groups.