Maidenhead & Windsor

Help us make sure the Maidenhead doors are open when YOU want to visit

That's the invitation to all Maidenhead Royal Borough residents this week as the 2006 library opening hours survey goes into local homes.

The aim is to get library users – and potential users – to indicate the opening hours that would be most convenient for them and their families, and then the information will enable the Maidenhead council's library and information service to make adjustments wherever possible.

Maidenhead Cllr Richard Fagence, lead member for leisure and cultural services, urged everyone to take part in the consultation.

He said: "Borough libraries are central points for information, entertainment, education and recreation. They provide an invaluable service for people of all ages and we want them to be open at times that best suit the needs of local people.

"Many different factors, including changes to the ways people work, study, enjoy their retirement, organise child care and spend their leisure time, influence when they visit libraries. This survey wants to get an up-to-date picture of the times customers either use libraries already or would want to use them in the future. In that way we will be able to adjust opening times to make them more accessible and convenient."

Since the last review of library opening hours three years ago many local libraries have extended their hours, with a 20% overall increase from 255.5 hours a week in December 2002 to 308.5 in December 2005. This includes the opening of two new libraries last year at Datchet and Cox Green, Maidenhead.

The opening hours survey is contained in the spring edition of Around the Maidenhead Royal Borough – the council's magazine for all residents which is delivered to local homes by Royal Mail. It is also available in libraries (the mobile is not included in this survey), leisure centres, first stop shops and council offices. The survey can also be completed on-line at www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/library_news.htm

Residents who return their survey form will have the opportunity to enter a prize draw for a month of free swims at either the Magnet Leisure Centre in Maidenhead or Windsor Leisure Centre. There is also a free voucher which entitles all survey participants to borrow a CD, DVD, video or audiotape FREE from their local library.

Current library opening times are available at www.rbwm.gov.uk or by calling Maidenhead Library on 01628 796969.

Closing date for survey returns is Tuesday 18 April 2006.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead