Norbury Library introduces self service technology

Self-service library technology has been introduced at Norbury Library to enable members to borrow books and access facilities outside the usual opening hours.

The branch, in North Croydon, is the second in the borough to be fitted with Open+ technology after Croydon Council successfully trialled the system in Selsdon Library, South Croydon, over the summer and received positive feedback from users.

The service ensures there are more opportunities to borrow books and use computers and study areas for those who would usually struggle to get to a library during standard opening hours.

The new system at Norbury Library went live on Monday, October 2, at the start of national Libraries Week. The branch will be staffed as normal from 10am-6pm on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The Open+ system is in operation from 10am-6pm on Monday and Wednesday and 9am-5pm on Saturdays, providing an additional 24 hours a week of opening times.

Library staff are registering Croydon residents for Open+ using their library card and PIN code during regular staffed hours. Once registered, the library card can be used at either Norbury or Selsdon libraries.

Usual services are available - members can borrow, renew and return items, collect reservations, and use a computer or WiFi to access the internet, eBooks or other online resources. Security measures are in place and CCTV is in operation for the safety of visitors.

The cost of the new facilities at both Selsdon and Norbury Libraries have been financed through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), which is money received from developers to invest in local infrastructure, and ringfenced funding from the council's capital expenditure budget.

During the Selsdon trial, more than 500 residents registered for the out of hours service. Customers reported that the service enabled them to fit library visits around their schedules more easily. The hours at Selsdon have been further extended to 8am opening on Open+ days, providing more convenient opening times for residents.

"We have been delighted by the feedback from residents during the trial at Selsdon Library and hope that Norbury residents will sign up to Open+ so they too can benefit from this new out of hours service.

"This trial is part of a wider review of our libraries across our borough and how we can offer an efficient and cost-effective service that meets the needs of the communities they serve."

Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon

Open+ is available to all adults aged 18 and over and young people from 16 years old can register with parental consent. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when using the library through Open+.

Find out more about all Croydon Library services.

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