Longer opening times and more services proposed for city libraries

Extra library services could soon be available in Stoke-on-Trent under new proposals to extend opening times and recruit more volunteers.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has launched an engagement exercise over its plans to increase opening hours at all six of the city’s public libraries.

The authority is proposing to recruit more volunteers to enable libraries to open for more than the 148 hours per week they are currently open, while delivering additional services.

The city’s libraries already offer a range of services such as book lending, delivery and collection, IT facilities, digital support sessions and activities for children, families and adults.

Under the new proposals, the current Homelink service, which delivers books to housebound customers across the city on a regular basis, would be expanded and new services, such as Befriending, would be introduced.

Libraries would also be open for an average of 185 hours per week. Consideration is being given to:

• Re-opening City Central, Longton, Stoke and Tunstall Libraries every Saturday;
• Re-introducing late night openings;
• Opening libraries for additional hours on weekdays.

Volunteer opportunities would include customer service support, digital support, stock support and events and activities support.

Councillor Alastair Watson, cabinet member for financial sustainability and corporate resources, said: “Feedback tells us that residents value libraries and library services and that they want to see libraries open for longer hours. With volunteers, libraries can do more and be open more.

“The city council would not only be able to extend the opening hours at all of its libraries but also introduce additional services for families and children and adults who may be experiencing loneliness or social isolation.”

Residents are now being asked to have their say on the proposals by filling in a short survey on the council’s website.

For more information visit www.stoke.gov.uk/yourlibraryyourway

Responses are being accepted until midnight on Sunday 15 December 2024.

Alternatively visitors are being invited to attend engagement events which are taking place at City Central Library in Hanley on Saturday 23 November, between 10am and 2pm, and Wednesday 4 December, between 6pm and 7.30pm.

Visitors will be able to talk about the proposals, submit their feedback and register their interest in volunteering.