Richard Lewis: Changing hours herald new chapter for libraries

From next week library opening hours will be changing across Edinburgh as part of a move to transform the way the council delivers 
libraries services following consultation with around 10,000 people.

The city-wide changes come into effect on Monday and will see 22 libraries opening from 10am until 5pm for the first time on Saturdays. Sunday opening will remain in place at the six libraries that currently have it, and there will be changes to Thursday opening.

These changes were agreed in March as part of the council’s Next Generation Library and Information Strategy 2012-2015, which lays out plans to 
deliver a modern library service that is more efficient and continues to meet the needs of communities.

Our services must evolve to meet the changing priorities and expectations of our residents and library users. In these tough economic times I’m proud to say 
that, unlike other local authorities, we’re not closing any libraries.

Instead, we’re continuing to invest in and refurbish 
libraries and prioritise them as key services.

Full details of all the changes can be found on our website www.edinburgh.gov.uk/libraryopeninghours

All next week events will be running in libraries throughout the city to celebrate libraries and raise awareness of the new 
opening times.

More details can be found on the library services’ Tales of One City blog.

n Councillor Richard Lewis is Edinburgh City Council’s 
culture and leisure convener