Library changes explained over coffee
Warwickshire County Council’s Library and Information Service is always striving to make improvements and Rugby’s flagship library is no exception.
Visitors will notice work going on, over the next few weeks, but the plan is to keep the library open throughout - and it’s all in a good cause.
The 10-year-old library is being refurbished, with a new layout, an expanded Local Studies area upstairs, and more space for displays downstairs. Changes are also being made in the teenage section. And customers at Rugby Library, one of the busiest in the county, will soon be able to borrow and return loan items without queuing at the counter, thanks to the introduction of automated self service machines.
“The new machines are really easy to use and make short work of processing loans and returns,” said Library Transformation and Engagement Officer Alison Insley.
“The system is known as ‘RFID’ - Radio Frequency Identification. It’s very clever and can scan a pile of books, or other borrowed items, in or out in one go.”
Local library members are invited to find out more by attending one of two Rugby Library Coffee Mornings on Monday May 24 between 10.00am and 1.00pm, and Friday May 28, from 9.00am to 12 noon.
"Staff will be on hand to explain more about the makeover and answer any questions,” said Alison. “We’ll also be showing a short film about the self service technology and how it works.”
“The improvements at Rugby are part of a wider and ongoing refurbishment of libraries in Warwickshire," said Liz Wood, Service Improvement Manager for Warwickshire Library and Information Service.
Liz explained that Rugby will be one of the first libraries in the county to introduce self service, which makes borrowing and returning books, CDs and DVDs quicker, easier and more private. "Machines will replace the routine work allowing staff more time to help customers find books and answer enquiries," she said.