Residents across Buckinghamshire, Including here in Aylesbury, are now enjoying longer library opening hours and greater access, thanks to the successful rollout of Library Flex by the Conservative-led Buckinghamshire Council.
The innovative system combines staffed support during busy periods with secure self-service access at quieter times. This means that more people can use their local library to borrow books, study, work, or connect with others, at times that suit them best.
Eight libraries, including Aylesbury Library, are now operating under the Library Flex model. Residents aged 16 and over can use their local library outside traditional staffed hours, supported by enhanced safety measures such as CCTV and alarms. More than 2,000 residents have already completed their induction, and a new online system has made joining even easier.
From 1 October, Library Flex hours were extended even further offering early morning and evening access, ideal for students, commuters, and anyone who values flexibility.
Council Leader Steven Broadbent described the programme as “a great example of how we’re modernising services to meet the needs of our communities. Library Flex gives people more choice and convenience, while helping us deliver a sustainable library service for the future.”
Peter Brazier, Cabinet Member for Culture & Leisure, added: “Our Library Flex service is helping us keep libraries open and accessible to more people, even in these financially challenging times. By combining technology with community-led use, we’re creating a flexible model that supports both individual needs and wider community engagement.”
The Conservative-led Council continues to show how innovation and practicality can deliver better services for residents, protecting valued community spaces like libraries while ensuring they remain relevant for the future.
For more information, including how to sign up for Library Flex at Aylesbury Library, visit:
👉 buckinghamshire.gov.uk/libraries/library-flex-opening-hours
