West Berkshire Council (WBC) is changing the way in which it funds libraries so that parish councils will be able to buy in additional hours, via an agreement with them. However, before making any such request of WBC, Lambourn PC in conjunction with the Friends of Lambourn Library need to know what residents feel about the current arrangements and whether there is any demand for longer opening hours.

To that end, they have created a short survey. Please have your say on this – there are only six questions – by Monday 10 February 2025.

Currently Lambourn Library is open for 16 hours a week, fewer than any other library in the district. Apart from lending books (including e-books) and jigsaws, Lambourn Library runs regular groups for adults and children, provides free wifi, free access to computers, free library apps, photocopier and printer services and a safe, warm place to sit and read or work.

See more details about the survey and current opening times here.

In other library news, a a new photocopier/printer has recently been installed. This much-needed replacement is now operational and is able to supply better quality prints and copies than did its predecessor.

Visitors may also have noticed the improved lighting in the Library, with the installation of LED ceiling and wall lights. As well has providing increased visibility these will also help to reduce the running costs.