Hounslow libraries are set to transform into self-access hubs, offering extended opening hours and improved facilities through a £1.2 million investment approved by the council's Cabinet.
The initiative, which builds on the successful conversion of libraries into community hubs in spring 2026, aims to modernise and upgrade services. Registered library members will be able to access sites using their library cards during unstaffed hours, monitored remotely by CCTV.
Councillor Ajmer Grewal, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Safety, presented the business case, highlighting the benefits of extended opening hours, improved resident experience through modernised technology, and greater flexibility for community and partner use of facilities. The proposal also aims to deliver operational efficiencies and enhance volunteer opportunities.
The project will be funded from the general fund capital programme, with £170,000 allocated for community engagement, risk assessment, and design processes. The remaining budget will be used for site-specific upgrades, with the first self-access enabled locations expected to go live from April 2027.
This transformation is projected to increase the total weekly opening hours of community hubs and libraries by as much as 80%, offering greater accessibility for residents across the borough. The move is also expected to generate a net recurring saving of £405,000 by the end of 2028/29, with a projected return on investment within approximately three years.
Improved Facilities and Technology
The £1.2 million investment will support the delivery and implementation of equipment and technology for the new way of working. This includes upgraded networking and electrics, CCTV and alarms, doors and building upgrades, and digital touchpoints and assets. The 'self-access operations' model enables the council to extend opening hours through conventional staffed periods alongside self-access hours where registered library members can enter using their library cards.
Community Engagement
A period of engagement is planned from the summer through to the autumn of 2026 to inform the final design of the changes and required upgrades. Public engagement will be carried out across the borough via community hubs, area forums, pop-up events, and online platforms. Focus groups will be run to seek feedback from groups potentially at higher risk of impact. The approach aims to capture input from both frequent library users and those who do not currently use the services, with opportunities to test and trial design elements where practicable.
Safety and Security
Care will be given to health and safety through robust risk assessments at each site. These will also consider insurance impacts and ways to minimise financial risk. Options for security or monitoring arrangements beyond CCTV coverage will be explored once requirements are defined.
Community and Partner Use
Volunteer, community, and social enterprise (VSCE) groups will be welcomed into community hubs and libraries during self-access times. There may also be opportunities for trusted groups to use library spaces for classes or workshops during these hours, subject to site-specific risk assessments.
Operational Efficiencies and Staffing
The introduction of self-access technology is expected to realise a net recurring saving of £405,000 against the existing libraries service budget by the end of 2028/29, with a part-year benefit of £185,000 anticipated in 2027/28. The plan for achieving these savings will be developed in consultation with staff and informed by public engagement on where resources are most needed and suitable shift patterns. A proportion of the savings is expected to come from workforce efficiencies, such as careful vacancy management, natural staff turnover, and reducing the use of temporary or agency workers where appropriate.
Eligibility for Self-Access
Registered library members will be able to access sites during extended hours outside of core staffed times using their library cards. The specific criteria for becoming a registered library member are available through the council's library services.
This transformation is projected to increase the total weekly opening hours of community hubs and libraries by as much as 80%, offering greater accessibility for residents across the borough. The move is also expected to generate a net recurring saving of £405,000 by the end of 2028/29, with a projected return on investment within approximately three years.
More information on the proposal can be found in the Public reports pack Tuesday 14-Jul-2026 Cabinet.