Skip to main content

LibraryPlus consultation

What we are consulting on

Extending LibraryPlus to Kempston and Putnoe libraries.

Bedford Borough Council carried out a public consultation and review of its Library Service in 2016. This informed the development of a Library Strategy for the period 2017-22 and led to the introduction of a digital library model known as LibraryPlus at Bedford Central, Wootton and Bromham libraries.

LibraryPlus provides a mixture of staffed hours as well as using technology to allow access to customers during unstaffed, self-service hours. During the self-service hours, LibraryPlus customers can enter the libraries to browse the shelves, borrow and return items, use the computers, study and work, and meet friends and family.

The introduction of LibraryPlus has been a success, allowing an increase in opening hours and providing a more flexible, convenient service for customers.

We are now proposing to extend LibraryPlus to Kempston and Putnoe libraries.

You can view a summary of the proposal here: LibraryPlus – Summary document (PDF).

More information about LibraryPlus

View a video of Cllr Doug McMurdo, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, explaining the proposal here.

View a video demonstrating how access to libraries works during self-service LibraryPlus hours here.

Read LibraryPlus frequently asked questions here (PDF).

How to have your say

We are seeking people’s views on the proposal to extend LibraryPlus to Kempston and Putnoe libraries. We are also inviting organisations who use, or may wish to use, Kempston and Putnoe libraries to contact us, should they wish to become more involved with the Library Service. You can send your ideas, comments or expressions of interest in the following ways:

Complete an online response form here 

Email us: consultingbedford@bedford.gov.uk  

Write to: Consulting Bedford, Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford MK42 9AP

Comments should be received by Friday 23 April 2021 and may be published.

We are holding online meetings about the proposal so that we can explain it in more detail, answer any questions you may have and collect feedback from you. Dates and times for these meetings are below. If you would like to attend, please email jessica.jennings@bedford.gov.uk (please use ‘LibraryPlus consultation meeting’ in the subject line), or call 01234 718178.


Monday 29 March 7.00pm (for Kempston Library)

Wednesday 31 March 7.00pm (for Putnoe Library)

Monday 12 April 11.00am (for Kempston Library)

Monday 12 April 2.00pm (for Putnoe Library)

What happens next

Responses to the consultation will be considered by the Council’s Executive at its meeting in June 2021. If approved, it is anticipated that LibraryPlus would be introduced at Putnoe Library and Kempston Library by the end of 2021.