RESIDENTS of Eynsham can now visit their local library outside normal opening hours using a new system being trialled by Oxfordshire County Council.

The self-service scheme gives members access to the building late into the evening and at weekends, extending access to books, online services and study space.

At Eynsham the library is now available to evening visitors until 11.30pm every day, and on certain mornings when it was previously closed. Library members should speak to local staff to register to use the keypad entry system.

If successful, the scheme will be rolled out to other libraries across the county, making them available to thousands of people who cannot currently visit during normal working hours.

It means giving Oxfordshire residents unprecedented access to library and wider council services. The system is also currently operating at Summertown Library.

Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for cultural services Lorraine Lindsay-Gale said: “We’re really keen to see how people take to the idea at these two libraries so we can assess the scope for rolling it out more widely across the county. That’s ultimately what we would like to do, and we know other councils are looking at introducing similar schemes elsewhere.”

In addition to the newly installed keypad entry system, Eynsham Library recently reopened with a new-look interior, with refurbishments including improved shelving throughout, soft seating, carpeting, lighting upgrades and a staff counter.