Hucknall and West Bridgford libraries are set to see an increase in their opening hours following a decision by Nottinghamshire County Council.
The move comes as part of an ongoing effort to enhance public access to library services, driven by community engagement and data analysis.
The decision follows a wider review of library opening hours first conducted in 2019.
While changes were implemented across 28 libraries at the time, Hucknall and West Bridgford were excluded due to operational constraints. Now, with improvements in infrastructure and staffing arrangements, these two key libraries are set to expand their availability to the public.
Hucknall Library, a Level 1 facility that welcomes over 60,000 visitors annually, recently underwent significant refurbishments funded by Arts Council England and Nottinghamshire County Council. The modernisation has allowed for a reconfiguration of space and service delivery, creating an opportunity to extend its hours.
Similarly, West Bridgford Library, which receives around 200,000 visits each year, has seen evolving community needs since its last redevelopment in 2013. Feedback from library users highlighted a demand for earlier opening times, prompting the proposed adjustments.
The revised hours will see both libraries open for longer periods during the week, with Hucknall Library gaining an additional two hours per week and West Bridgford Library extending its opening time by five hours per week.
Hucknall Library:
- Gains: Wednesday hours extended by five hours (from closing at 12:00 to 17:00).
- Reductions: Monday, Thursday, and Friday hours reduced by one hour each.
- Total weekly hours: 48 (previously 46).
West Bridgford Library:
- Gains: Earlier opening from 08:30 (previously 09:00) on weekdays, with Tuesday evening hours extended until 19:00.
- Total weekly hours: 60 (previously 55).
A public consultation was held, gathering 300 responses from Hucknall Library users. Over 60% of respondents supported the proposed changes, favouring increased accessibility while maintaining a balanced staffing approach.
West Bridgford’s changes, meanwhile, reflect insights from long-term visitor patterns and operational analysis. A key aspect of the adjustment is an increase in morning access, responding to demand from commuters, students, and early risers.
Importantly, the extended hours will be accommodated within existing staffing budgets, ensuring no additional financial burden on taxpayers. The Council has confirmed that changes in operational staffing arrangements make the increased hours feasible without requiring extra funding.
Several alternative schedules, including Sunday opening for Hucknall Library, were explored. However, feedback indicated limited demand for Sunday service, leading to its exclusion from the final decision.
Library users will be formally notified of the new opening hours, with implementation expected in the coming months. The move aligns with the Nottinghamshire County Council Library Strategy 2025-2035, which prioritises accessibility, community engagement, and modernisation of library services.
