New chapter for Gillingham Library

Dorset Council has officially launched Extended Access at Gillingham Library, giving residents greater flexibility to use library services beyond traditional staffed hours.

The new system was unveiled on Friday 6 February, with councillors, library users and staff attending a demonstration of how the technology works.

Thanks to this innovative upgrade, library users can now borrow and return books, use free Wi-Fi and computers, and hire rooms for community activities from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday—even when staff are not present. The library will continue to offer 30 staffed hours each week, ensuring support remains available for those who need it.

Cllr Ryan Hope, portfolio holder for Customer, Culture and Community Engagement at Dorset Council said: “Libraries are key community assets, growing beyond book loaning, with the spaces being used for meetings, studying, IT, events and socialising. 

“This is a big step forward in our commitment to enhancing library access and services, and we know the residents will benefit significantly from this expansion of opening times.”

Gillingham Library is the third in Dorset to offer Extended Access, alongside  Sturminster Newton Library and Verwood Library.   Sherborne Library will also offer Extended Access  at a later stage.

Any library member aged 16 or over can upgrade to Extended Access membership, which will allow them to enter the library using their library card outside normal opening hours and use services independently.

Extended Access is part of Dorset Council’s wider commitment to modernising library services and increasing opportunities for local communities to make the most of their local library spaces.