New era as library extends hours

It is believed to be the first time since the library in Pryors Lane opened on January 11, 1975, that all-day borrowing can take place six days a week. The windy and wet weather kept down the number of those making use of the additional open time from 1pm to 2pm.

Six people had taken advantage of the first 30 minutes of the extra hour to borrow books. Another woman used the photocopier. One man also stayed on specially to take advantage of a two-for-the-price-of-one DVD and CD happy hour offer which lasts all week.

An adult education computer beginners' course was also taking place.

Among those who went along to the library during the lunchtime was Pagham mother Sarita Kitson and her six-month-old son, Matthew.

She said she had deliberately made use of the hour to show her support for the added time.

'It will make us use the library more often,' she explained. 'In the past, we have gone to Bognor library, particularly on Saturdays, because we have been in the town, rather than coming here with the library closed for lunch.'

Her visits with her two children enable them to use the youngsters' computer at the library as well as borrow books.

'There is a good atmosphere at this library,' she added. 'It's easier to keep your eye on your children and the staff are really friendly.'

The end of lunch hours was celebrated with a free coffee morning on Monday. A total of 56 cups of coffee and tea were served by the library staff. The DVD and CD happy hour between 1pm and 2pm lasts until Saturday.

Senior library assistant Jenny Mansbridge said customers had welcomed the prospect of the extra hour. The library had stayed closed between 1pm and 2pm even when evening opening took place. This was scrapped a few years ago in favour of all-day Wednesday opening.

The library's four weekday staff, boosted by a Saturday worker, have juggled their working rota to enable the opening to take place without extra cost to West Sussex County Council.

The library stocks 12,400 fiction and non-fiction books plus 4,700 children's books as well as 279 DVDs and 166 CDs.