County council plans to lease libraries as 'hot offices'
County chiefs are looking to boost civic coffers by hiring out surplus space in libraries as “hot offices.”
Plans include leasing rooms on a daily rate or longer-term commercial lease to businesses and individuals.
Library chiefs say many reference books can now be read on-line via sub-scription sites in libraries so less space is needed for books. In addition, the council is now offering free Wi-Fi for visitors with their own laptops.
According to a report presented to a council report, £150,000 was generated from hiring out rooms in 53 libraries to community groups in 2012-13. The plan is to increase this figure.
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