Anger over plan to make library self-service

By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter

A Croydon library will become self-service as part of a trial.

It comes as Croydon council battles a financial crisis which could see libraries in the borough closed in a bid to save money.

It is more than four years since it was first announced the trial would be launched at Selsdon Library, in Addington Road, which is currently only open three-days-a-week.

The Open+ technology will come into action on May 11, however there are fears the new technology will lead to unstaffed libraries in the borough.

Elizabeth Ash, from the Save Croydon Libraries campaign, said: “I think it is a disaster because it is sold on the basis of giving people greater access but access without staff is fraught with issues.

“I really hope this isn’t the future for Croydon. I think it is a backwards step. It will be sold on the basis of giving people longer hours, but is simply an excuse to de-staff the library service.

“A lot of people don’t want to use self-serve machines. A library is one of just a few places you can pop into and have a chat with people.

“Somebody who is isolated can pop into their local library and interact with the person behind the desk.”

Open+ is only available to people aged 18 and over. People aged 16 to 18 can register with parental consent

Registered members of the library will be able to access the building using their library card and a code from 10am-6pm from Tuesdays Thursdays and Fridays.

During the pilot, it will remain staffed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, as is currently the case.

Picture: Pixabay