Gloucestershire library charges increasing

News - Charges for a number of services at libraries across Gloucestershire libraries will be increasing from November, with some fees removed altogether.

For the first time in more than three years, charges for services at Gloucestershire’s 39 libraries will be increasing.

From Monday 2 November 2009, overdue charges for adults will go up from 12p to 15p a day, with children’s overdue charges remaining free for the first week each book is overdue and 10p per week or part week afterwards.

The weekly charge for DVDs and computer games remains the same at £3, while to hire overnight the charge rises to £1.50 from £1. People will be able to hire CDs overnight for the first time for 50p and the weekly charge remains at £1.

Children’s spoken word CDs, language sets and open learning sets will continue to be free to borrow, while adults’ spoken word CD hire charges will increase by 30p to £1.30 for a three-week period.

All of Gloucestershire’s libraries will continue to offer free access to broadband internet for up to two hours a day. While adults, as well as children, will be able to reserve items online for free from November – a service which previously cost 50p.

David Paynter, Gloucestershire County Council’s Head of Libraries & Information, said: ‘Hire fees and charges are an important source of income for libraries and these increases, which bring our charges in line with other authorities, will allow us to maintain a high quality library service in the county.’

SoGlos.com
28 September 2009