Over 7,500 sign up for Council’s LibraryPlus Membership

Over 7,500 people have signed up to become members of Bedford Borough Council's LibraryPlus scheme which gives increased access to council libraries.

In September last year Bedford Borough's libraries started working in a whole new way with the start of self-service hours through LibraryPlus at Bedford Central, Bromham and Wootton Libraries.

The move to LibraryPlus has seen library opening hours increase by over 40 hours overall, including Bedford Central Library opening on Sundays and bank holidays. LibraryPlus members are able to use the libraries when it is more convenient for them, both during the staffed and self-service hours at Bedford Central, Wootton and Bromham libraries.

Liberal Democrat Mayor Dave Hodgson said "LibraryPlus has seen additional hours of opening including Sunday opening at Bedford Central Library, and we have continued to keep all of our libraries open. Our libraries are a fantastic local service which will continue to be places where you can meet with family and friends, browse the stock, borrow books, use a PC and access free Wifi."

Cllr Sarah-Jayne Gallagher, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture said "LibraryPlus has seen a really positive response, if you haven't signed up already there is no better time to get involved and come and enjoy your library. This was a big change to how our libraries operate but the way it has been embraced by new and existing library users has been really encouraging."

The new opening hours and further information about LibraryPlus is available at www.bedford.gov.uk/LibraryPlus.

Other changes our libraries service have seen in the last year include route changes to the Mobile Library and Library Link service which were overwhelmingly supported in public consultation, along with a brand new Mobile Library vehicle serving the needs of our communities.

It is easy to sign up to LibraryPlus, simply talk to a member of library staff who will be happy to offer advice and sign you up! For more information about local libraries please visit www.bedford.gov.uk/libraries or sign up to our libraries email bulletin at www.bedford.gov.uk/stayconnected.