Author: chris

Terri Lewis, of Histon Library talks to Lucy Callington about how to make the most of your library membership by visiting during its extended, unstaffed hours. All it takes is a 45-second induction, a membership card and pin number.

We are incredibly lucky to have a fully functioning, well-stocked and well-run library at the heart of our community – a place where all ages can mix and mingle, where we can find a new favourite author; or simply get online outside of the home. And we’re also fortunate to have Open+, a scheme that allows us twice the opportunities to visit the library.

Open+ has been a lifeline for many over the two years it has been up and running at Histon library, and according to Terri Lewis, Area Library Manager for South Cambs North, it is going “phenomenally well.”  

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The service, which allows library users to access the library building outside of staffed hours – at a time which may be more convenient for them – to borrow or return books, work using its WiFi or simply just hang out in bad weather.

Existing library users, as well as new members, need to register for the special Open+ access and then, using their library card and pin number, can use the pin pad on the pillar outside the main entrance to access the library.

Greater flexibility

Terri believes the success of the scheme is due in part to the fact that it offers such great flexibility. She says: “It’s a thriving system. Open+ offers a variety of hours and gives our members greater options. It meets the needs of families, those working from home and students alike”.

While these are additional opening hours – it should still be stressed that it is not a 24-hour service and you can only access the library in the specified hours. Wednesdays in the library are still earmarked for community events such as the popular writing group and school visits.

Terri is also keen to share that the library really belongs to its members, commenting: “Unstaffed, the library becomes a shared community space and users come along with a shared agenda. It’s a safe, secure environment – covered by CCTV – and everyone using it so far has treated the facilities and other users with respect.”

Access all areas

When you register for Open+ you are given a short briefing on how the system works – this should take under a minute. And there are signs informing you how to log on to the WiFi. Each user should enter using their own library card. In the interests of health and safety and for the smooth running of the system, library staff would prefer it if multiple people didn’t all slip in using one membership card.

You are allowed to eat and drink sensibly in the library during these access times and there are also signs encouraging you to dispose of your litter carefully – and it’s worth bearing in mind that there is no access to the toilet during Open+ hours!

Terri tells me: “It’s very easy to join the service. It’s user friendly, doesn’t cost you anything and joining up helps keep the service ticking over nicely. We get enquiries all the time from people wanting to join up – and thankfully there is no limit on membership – so everybody is welcome.”

While she is obviously keen to sing the praises of Open+, Terri is also quick to stress that the service doesn’t pose any threat to staffed hours in the library, especially since, for some, the presence of staff is the main reason to pop in.

She comments: “Open+ is currently running for about 26 hours in Histon, which is about the same as staffed time. So it’s a good balance. Staffing hours are still important and our staffed late night is one of the busiest sessions at Histon. Having access to the library without staff certainly doesn’t replace the experience of interacting with staff. Lots of people come in specially for a chat with the librarians – especially the staff members who live in Histon and Impington!”

Open to all

The flexibility of the opening hours is great for users of all ages. Terri shares that it’s ideal for people living alone, as they can work from somewhere other than home occasionally – and she personally loves watching parents coming in with their children on Sunday afternoon sheltering from the rain. She says: “sometimes people come in just before school drop off or, after with a younger sibling. They share a story together – so it’s really worthwhile”.

Since there is no limit to how many people can join the scheme, Terri is looking to spread the word far and wide. Everybody really is welcome. So whether you’re elderly or adolescent – as long as you are over 16 – and you have a membership card to scan on entry, you can take advantage of your local library at your own convenience. And why not encourage your friends to do the same?   

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