Each year the Council’s Library service reviews its fees and charges and they are pleased to announce new changes for 2013/2014.
These include:
- People’s Network – All customers will now get a minimum of 30 minutes free time on library computers;
- Reservations – Reservation fees are being standardised to make it easier for customers; the reservation fee for Librarieswest items will be set at £1.00 per item whether booked online or through a member of staff.
- DVD & Blu-Ray Hire – DVD & Blu-Ray hire will be reduced to just £2.00 per week;
- Audio Books – Adults and concessions will see an increase of 10p per item. Children who borrow children’s audio books will now get those items free instead of 20p, following a successful trial.
Councillor David Dixon (Lib-Dem, Oldield), Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “We’re pleased to introduce a range of changes to allow people to get even more benefit from Bath & North East Somerset Council’s libraries. In particular, the 30 minutes free use of our People’s Network may help those who don’t have computer access and need to prepare CVs or job applications. We also hope that the free children’s audio books will help to encourage a love of literature amongst youngsters.”
Library charges will remain the same for a number of services including hiring DVD/Blu-Ray boxsets, computer games, videos and music CDs.
A full list of our upcoming charges – which take effect from Tuesday 2 April – can be downloaded at www.bathnes.gov.uk/libraryfees.
Easter opening times for libraries across Bath and the local area:
- Friday 29 March – All libraries closed
- Saturday 30 March – Libraries open as normal
- Sunday 31 March – All libraries closed
- Monday 1 April – All libraries closed
- Tuesday 2 April – Libraries open as normal.
In addition to these dates, Bath Central Library will also be closed from Wednesday 3rd to Friday 5th April for maintenance work and essential training for staff to keep up to date and provide the best quality service to local residents. With maintenance work planned for the library this April, the Council are combining these two requirements together in order to minimise disruption.
The maintenance works will include improved lighting over the reading area, all carpets will be cleaned and additional electrical sockets will be put in for customers to plug in their laptops and mobile phones.
All customers who take items out will automatically receive a returns date after the closed dates. Visitors are advised to take a receipt when taking items out or by checking their online account at www.librarieswest.org.uk with their membership number and PIN code.
