Open Access
Open Access is extended library opening hours and means you can go in and use the library even when there are no staff there.
How to get Open Access
You will need to be a member of the library to get Open Access and complete an induction session.
The minimum age to use this service is 16 years old. Children under 16 years old are welcome when accompanied with a parent or carer.
Book an induction session
You can book on to an induction session by emailing your local library.
You will need to bring your Active library card number and proof of address with you.
You can use any library with Open Access once signed up. It is important to check the location of emergency exits when visiting a library you have not used before.
Open Access times
You do not need to book in advance and will be able to let yourself in using your Library Active card number and PIN.
Facilities available
The facilities available during Open Access hours include:
- computer access
- access to online e-resources
- free wifi
- borrow, renew and return library items
- printing
- use the space to read, study or work
Watch our short video on open access which explains how it works and why you might want to use it.
Registered Open Access users are subject to the following terms and conditions of use:
– you need to be a library member and aged 16 years or over
– you must have no history of misusing library services in the last year
– do not let anyone else use your library card to access the library or share your PIN
– you must be a registered Open Access user to enter the library outside of staffed hours
– all children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or carer at all times
– doors open when anyone walks towards them from inside, so please be vigilant if you have young children with you
– from the child’s 16th birthday they should complete an induction and register for Open Access in their own name
– when entering or leaving the library please take all reasonable steps to ensure no one else enters at the same time. You will be held responsible for the behaviour of anyone you intentionally allow in
– make sure you leave the library as directed by the pre-recorded messages and dimming of lights when the service closes
– you must use the self-service kiosks to borrow a library item
– please use all equipment and services responsibly and respect others using the space
– groups will continue to use the library during Open Access hours
– use of the library when unstaffed is at your own risk, there is CCTV installed for your safety; which monitors the library 24/7 with images recorded. There is a customer help phone.
– we reserve the right to update these terms and conditions as required, and will notify registered users via email and update our website at www.southglos.gov.uk/OpenAccess
– as staff are not present other people may be using the library but are unable to assist you – individual staff members may appear, especially in the morning to set the library up and again may not be able to help.
For data protection information visit Libraries West
– you need to be a library member and aged 16 years or over
– you must have no history of misusing library services in the last year
– do not let anyone else use your library card to access the library or share your PIN
– you must be a registered Open Access user to enter the library outside of staffed hours
– all children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or carer at all times
– doors open when anyone walks towards them from inside, so please be vigilant if you have young children with you
– from the child’s 16th birthday they should complete an induction and register for Open Access in their own name
– when entering or leaving the library please take all reasonable steps to ensure no one else enters at the same time. You will be held responsible for the behaviour of anyone you intentionally allow in
– make sure you leave the library as directed by the pre-recorded messages and dimming of lights when the service closes
– you must use the self-service kiosks to borrow a library item
– please use all equipment and services responsibly and respect others using the space
– groups will continue to use the library during Open Access hours
– use of the library when unstaffed is at your own risk, there is CCTV installed for your safety; which monitors the library 24/7 with images recorded. There is a customer help phone.
– we reserve the right to update these terms and conditions as required, and will notify registered users via email and update our website at www.southglos.gov.uk/OpenAccess
– as staff are not present other people may be using the library but are unable to assist you – individual staff members may appear, especially in the morning to set the library up and again may not be able to help.
For data protection information visit Libraries West
Only library members who have completed an induction session are registered for the
service. Anyone who has a history of misusing library services in the 12 months leading
up to wanting to register for Open Access will be refused.
Heating and lighting are automated, and CCTV installed with images recorded.
However, use of the library when unstaffed is at your own risk and we ask you to please
consider any health or other issues that need to be taken into account.
The main entrance doors will automatically open when you leave the library and if there is a power failure or fire alarm then they can be pushed open. Our security service is alerted when there is power failure, a fire door is opened, or a fire alarm goes off and if the main door remain open for 3 minutes.
There is an emergency phone available which you are shown during the induction session.
The main entrance doors will automatically open when you leave the library and if there is a power failure or fire alarm then they can be pushed open. Our security service is alerted when there is power failure, a fire door is opened, or a fire alarm goes off and if the main door remain open for 3 minutes.
Email OpenAccess@southglos.gov.uk to report any issues or concerns or give us
feedback on the service; or you can visit a library during staffed hours and speak to a
member of staff.
service. Anyone who has a history of misusing library services in the 12 months leading
up to wanting to register for Open Access will be refused.
Heating and lighting are automated, and CCTV installed with images recorded.
However, use of the library when unstaffed is at your own risk and we ask you to please
consider any health or other issues that need to be taken into account.
The main entrance doors will automatically open when you leave the library and if there is a power failure or fire alarm then they can be pushed open. Our security service is alerted when there is power failure, a fire door is opened, or a fire alarm goes off and if the main door remain open for 3 minutes.
There is an emergency phone available which you are shown during the induction session.
The main entrance doors will automatically open when you leave the library and if there is a power failure or fire alarm then they can be pushed open. Our security service is alerted when there is power failure, a fire door is opened, or a fire alarm goes off and if the main door remain open for 3 minutes.
Email OpenAccess@southglos.gov.uk to report any issues or concerns or give us
feedback on the service; or you can visit a library during staffed hours and speak to a
member of staff.
You can find it under ‘my barcode’ if you have set up the LibrariesWest app on your smartphone and scan the digital barcode.
If you have forgotten your PIN go to www.librarieswest.org.uk, select log in, use the forgot my PIN option and an email will be sent to the email address we hold for you so you can reset your PIN.
If you can’t do this call 01454 868006 between 8.45am and 5pm Monday to Thursday; 8.45am and 4.30pm Fridays or email libraries@southglos.gov.uk or visit a library during staffed hours and speak to a member of staff
If you have forgotten your PIN go to www.librarieswest.org.uk, select log in, use the forgot my PIN option and an email will be sent to the email address we hold for you so you can reset your PIN.
If you can’t do this call 01454 868006 between 8.45am and 5pm Monday to Thursday; 8.45am and 4.30pm Fridays or email libraries@southglos.gov.uk or visit a library during staffed hours and speak to a member of staff
There are no toilet facilities (apart from Bradley Stoke and Kingswood, where toilet
facilities are in the communal building during the building opening hours).
facilities are in the communal building during the building opening hours).
During Open Access hours, the Open Access panel screen says: ‘Welcome.
Scan your library card below.’
Hold your library membership barcode (on your membership card or LW app on your mobile phone) between 10cms and 15cms under the black Open Access box so that the red line can read the barcode.
When prompted on the screen use the keypad to enter your PIN. press ‘Enter’. After a few seconds the doors will open and you can enter the library.
If your card doesn’t work this may be because there is a 15 minute period between the library closing if it has been open with staff earlier in the day and Open Access becoming available. Check times above.
Check the message on the Open Access box display panel:
• if it says “Library Open” staff are available and you don’t need to scan your card to
enter.
• if it is blank or showing an error message, Open Access is not currently working at
that library
• if, after scanning your card, it shows the message “No entry” this means either you
are not registered for the Open Access service or there is a problem with your card.
To resolve this you can call 01454 865022 Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm; Saturday
9:30am – 12pm or email libraries@southglos.gov.uk or visit a library during staffed
hours and speak to a member of staff.
Scan your library card below.’
Hold your library membership barcode (on your membership card or LW app on your mobile phone) between 10cms and 15cms under the black Open Access box so that the red line can read the barcode.
When prompted on the screen use the keypad to enter your PIN. press ‘Enter’. After a few seconds the doors will open and you can enter the library.
If your card doesn’t work this may be because there is a 15 minute period between the library closing if it has been open with staff earlier in the day and Open Access becoming available. Check times above.
Check the message on the Open Access box display panel:
• if it says “Library Open” staff are available and you don’t need to scan your card to
enter.
• if it is blank or showing an error message, Open Access is not currently working at
that library
• if, after scanning your card, it shows the message “No entry” this means either you
are not registered for the Open Access service or there is a problem with your card.
To resolve this you can call 01454 865022 Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm; Saturday
9:30am – 12pm or email libraries@southglos.gov.uk or visit a library during staffed
hours and speak to a member of staff.