Customers in Great Boughton, Barnton, Lache, Helsby and Hope Farm will soon be able to check out their own books and multi-media items when self-service technology comes to their libraries in the next couple of months.

To improve the service offered by libraries, kiosks are being installed to enable people to issue and return books, DVDs, talking books and language courses.

All libraries will need to close for a short period of time in order to relocate stock, shelves and computers and install the new technology.

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Great Boughton closes on Saturday, April 23 at 1pm and reopens on Tuesday, May 3 at 9.30am.

Barnton closes on Saturday, May 7 at 1pm and reopens on Monday, May 16 at 2pm.

Lache closes on Saturday, May 14 at 1pm and reopens on Monday, May 23 at 9.30am.

Helsby closes on Saturday, May 21 at 1pm and reopens on Tuesday, May 31 at 9.30am.

Hope Farm closes on Saturday, June 4 at 1pm Monday, June 13 at 2pm.

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Customers will be given an extended loan period and increased borrowing limit to cover the closure period.

Cllr Louise Gittins, Cabinet member for culture, leisure and wellbeing, said: “Our new self-service technology will make it much quicker and easier to issue and return books and multimedia.

“Having self-service means we can reduce the size of the counter and have more room for the public.

“Self-service will enable staff to provide better customer service and there will always be a member of staff on duty if you need assistance and to help with queries and browsing for books.”

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Library facilities are available at other branches, and customers can also access services 24/7 at www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/libraries and on 0845 148 0148.

For further information please contact Rachel Foster, library services manager, 01244 972612 or visit www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/libraries

Follow the council’s library service on Facebook (Cheshire West and Chester Libraries) and Twitter (@cwaclibraries).