Long Melford Library launches consultation on proposal to extend opening hours

Long Melford Library could extend its opening times by as much as an extra six hours each week, under new proposals.

Suffolk Libraries has launched a public consultation this month that seeks the views of its users on a number of alterations to the opening hours for the library in Hall Street.

The most significant change would see the library open on Saturdays, a day that it is currently closed on, between 9am and 1pm, but it would no longer open on Sundays.

Opening hours would also be increased on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays under the proposals, with customers welcome at the library during two separate periods on these days, from 10am to 1pm, and then from 2pm to 5pm.

The library would still be closed on Mondays and Thursdays, remaining consistent with the existing schedule.

A spokesman for Suffolk Libraries said: “The plans for Long Melford Library would mean the library could be open for six additional hours per week.

“Due to changes in staffing arrangements at the library, this would be at minimal cost to Suffolk Libraries.

“The proposal would also mean more consistent and longer hours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.”

The organisation says it wants to get the views from as many customers as possible about how they currently use the library, and how these changes to the opening times would positively or negatively affect them.

Users can fill out a physical survey about the proposals by visiting Long Melford Library itself.

Alternatively, you can complete an online version of the survey by going to www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Lmelfordlibrary.

The deadline for the public consultation is Friday, October 12.

Any change in opening hours will subsequently have to be agreed upon by both the Suffolk Libraries board and Suffolk County Council, before the proposals could be implemented.