Residents in Peterborough now have more flexibility when visiting their local libraries, as six branches have expanded their opening times through the Open+ scheme. Dogsthorpe, Eye, Stanground, Thorney, Hampton, and Woodston libraries now provide access via a combination of standard staffed hours with self-service technology. Dogsthorpe, Eye, Stanground, Thorney, and Woodston offer access from 8am to 7pm, seven days a week; Hampton Library opens from 9am to 7pm Sunday to Friday and 9am to 5pm on Saturday.
The service expansion also includes Orton Library, which began a two-month pilot of the system on 18 May 2026. This addition across Orton, Woodston, and Thorney has introduced 92.5 extra hours of access per week for library members. The Open+ system, which uses secure electronic access via a library card and PIN, allows members to browse for books, use computers, and occupy study spaces even when no staff are on site. The areas are monitored by security cameras and access control systems to ensure the facility remains safe.
To use the unstaffed service, residents must have a permanent membership and be aged 16 or over. Those interested in accessing the buildings during these extended hours are required to opt in by speaking with staff and agreeing to the library terms and conditions. While many locations have adopted this technology, Peterborough Central Library continues to operate with core staffed hours of 10am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, and 9am to 3pm on Saturday, with no Open+ access currently available.
The initiative is managed by Peterborough Libraries in partnership with Peterborough City Council. Originally developed to maintain library services in the face of budget constraints, the system was implemented with the assistance of Bibliotheca and Vivacity. Firzana Shaheen, Service Manager for Peterborough Libraries, said: “We’re pleased to have extended our Open+ hours to give residents greater flexibility in how and when they use their local library.”
Further information regarding the service and registration requirements can be found at the Open+ information page.
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