Library Modernisation
Bedford Borough Council is investing £229,000
in modernising our library facilities. Work being carried out will
include the installation of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
technology which allows customers to check out and return their own
books quickly and easily, resulting in fewer queues. The system is
easy to use and staff will be available to help people to get used
to the new system. The introduction of RFID requires a
combination of building works as well as reconfiguring the library
and retagging all the 150,000 items of library stock.
This project is part of a 2 year ‘Invest
to Save’ modernisation project for libraries using
one-off capital funding which will be paid back over
4 years from operational savings.
The installation at the Central Library is
year 1 of this project, and requires completion before the end of
this financial year to make use of the funding available and to
achieve the first year’s savings of £43,600.
The layout of the library will also be
improved with better study and computer space on the
2nd floor and more space for Local Studies and Family
History, as well as changes to the way the stock is organised to
make it easier to find information on a subject in one place.
In order to complete this improvement
programme, Bedford Central Library will be closed from Monday
5th December, and will reopen on Thursday
15th December
.
Cllr Doug McMurdo, Portfolio Holder for
Leisure and Culture at Bedford Borough Council, said: “Many local
authorities have been forced to make library closures, but despite
severe budget constraints we are investing in our library service
and have not closed any of our libraries. Bedford Central Library
will close for a temporary period only, and we hope that future
visitors will enter its doors in anticipation to see the new look
library, which will be even easier to use. The library
will continue to offer a wonderful place to enjoy a book or to
work and study.”
As much preparation as possible will be
carried out before 5th December to minimise the disruption to
customers - who will of course be able to use any of the other
libraries within the Borough during the temporary closure
period.