Roose Library opening hours

A temporary change of opening hours at Roose Library has been made permanent due to the success of the trial run. 

Since last November, the library has closed at 6pm instead of 7pm four nights a week in a bid to reduce the risk of unruly behaviour, which was threatening staff and public. Barrow Local Committee made this permanent at its meeting yesterday (Monday, March 17th). 

Councillor Norman Shaw, member of the local committee, which has responsibility for library opening hours, said:   

"We decided in November to change the opening hours of the library on a temporary trial basis. A few young people using intimidating behaviour had been creating an atmosphere which was putting people off using the library. 

As a result of the reduced opening hours, we have been able to improve staffing levels between 4 and 6pm which has meant a better service to the public at this busy time. We have received no adverse comments and the number of people visiting the library during this trial period has actually increased. The local Rainbow Pack and other youngsters can now visit the library as double staffing allows a member of staff to help them, particularly when using the library computer suite. 

This shows that our initial thoughts that many people were not using the library due to uninviting circumstances were right."