A multi-million pound investment into Surrey's libraries was approved by Surrey County Council's Cabinet to modernise services and create flexible, innovative and inclusive spaces. The investment was agreed to revolutionise the libraries offer and ensure they are all fit for the future.
The first phase of this work focussed on key libraries including Epsom, Redhill, Staines, Woking and Weybridge with completion expected by the end of 2024.
The work is part of the library strategy focused on ensuring that Surrey libraries deliver a service that is fit for the future and accessible to all. The plans include significant changes at each location, including the creation of community 'hubs' in Staines and Weybridge.
Details on the investment and the full Cabinet paper (PDF).
How libraries have changed
Books continue to be at heart of every library. We also continue to offer a wide range of resources, information, activities, exhibitions and events, early learning to lifelong learning and skills for work.
Super Access technology is being rolled out across Surrey's libraries, enabling residents to visit their library during additional unstaffed hours and self-serve. A swipe of member's library cards and entering of their personal pin enables library access. In many cases this is providing over 30 weekly hours of additional access per library. Technology is making library services more efficient, engaging and accessible and provides more learning opportunities for those who live, work and study in Surrey.
New computers have been installed for public use into every single Surrey library, now offering self-serve printing. That's 300 new computers available for residents in Surrey, that can be booked in advance, all with instant printing availability. Residents can also print directly from their phones using the free WiFi whilst inside the library, completely transforming the library experience and upgrading the facilities for those wishing to work, study and research there.
The new, flexible furniture introduced into Surrey's libraries now allows the library space to be transformed to suit a huge range of events and activities. No longer confining activities to small areas, bookshelves on wheels mean that anything from author events to dance performances can take place within Surrey's libraries and the bookshelves wheeled easily back into place.
New furniture is being put into our libraries to make them more comfortable, welcoming spaces and residents are involved through co-design in the changes at their local library.
Modern library services are important public spaces within Surrey's communities. A large part of the library transformation was about ensuring our library staff were fully trained, and understood the key role they play within the local community. Library staff can signpost residents to the full range of Surrey County Council services and engage library customers with an inspiring array of events and activities, groups and clubs, including digital literacy courses, campaigns and promotions including regular scams awareness sessions and so much more.
In collaboration with residents and partners we want to provide a welcoming and accessible environment, which encourages participation, creativity, mutual learning, support and provides a service that is value for money. To make that happen a large scale building programme is underway to significantly change many of our libraries.
Residents do not need a library card to enter, but we would love you to sign up and be a library member, whilst they are completely free to join, everyone is welcome, library member or not. Residents now experience the new library services offer, with more events and activities and more partners and communities using the spaces than ever before.
Our new and improved services will actively contribute to creating greater places for our residents to live, work and learn, and encourage reading, learning and new ideas and opportunities through providing book collections, resources, activities, exhibitions and events, early learning to lifelong learning and skills for work.
Volunteering opportunities
Volunteering plays an important part in supporting activities in libraries and provides positive benefits to those who give their time and to those they support.
In Surrey we have volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, young people giving their time to teach digital skills or supporting the Summer Reading Challenge, older residents coming together for example for craft or language courses, and every volunteer is valued and welcomed.
We also look at new ways in which people can volunteer to support and enhance the library offer through supporting digital inclusion and improving health, wellbeing and diversity through volunteering to support a wide and diverse programme of activities and events.
Volunteer roles are being developed to allow people the flexibility to utilise or develop their skills and knowledge in a way that interests them, and we will also provide appropriate training and support.
How can I get involved now?
If you have any queries or suggestions, please email libraries@surreycc.gov.uk
