Published: September 3, 2012
Burnham-On-Sea library to close for a month during major refurb

Burnham-On-Sea Library is set to close for a month during a major refurbishment in which brand new self-service technology will be introduced.

Burnham is the second Somerset library to move to self-service, following its successful introduction at Taunton in July.

To make the change possible, Burnham Library will be temporarily closed from 26th September for approximately four weeks. The Library is scheduled to reopen in late October.

While the library is closed it will also be refurbished. Work includes the removal of existing library counters and the installation of new, smaller staff points. The library entrance will be improved with a new door and security panels.

The new touch-screen kiosks will allow customers to borrow, renew and return books and other items, as well as to check reservations and pay charges. Quick and easy to use, they will reduce queues at peak times and also free up library staff to help with customer enquiries and to focus on those people who most need staff help.

"I’m delighted with the successful introduction of this technology in Taunton, the County’s busiest library," Councillor David Hall, Cabinet Member with responsibility for libraries, told Burnham-On-Sea.com. "We have had really good feedback from users who have found self-service quick and easy to use and I’m sure this will be same in Burnham."

From 27th September, while Burnham Library is closed, Highbridge Library will temporarily open for extended hours as follows: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9.30 am to 5.00 pm; Wednesday and Saturday 9.30 am to 1.00 pm.

"Staff will, of course, be on hand at Burnham to help people get to grips with the new kiosks. Once in place, self-service will allow staff to help visitors get the most out of their library."

Library users will need to bring their membership card and PIN (Personal Identification Number) to use the kiosks. Anyone who doesn’t have a PIN, has forgotten it or wants to change it to something more memorable, can ask a member of library staff or speak to a customer advisor on 0845 345 9177.