NEW technology is allowing Bracknell’s residents to use the borough’s libraries for longer hours.

‘Open+’ lets users to use electronic cards that give them access to the libraries when staff are not working.

Binfield Library will be the first library to get the service when it goes live in next few weeks.

Vincent Paliczka, director of environment, culture and communities, said: “Although our libraries won't be open 24 hours, Open+ works in a very similar way to 24 hour gyms and will allow registered users to carry out every day activities in the library, but outside of our current working hours.

“Customers will be able to borrow or return books, renew items, study, use the computers and Wi-Fi, pay for printing or photocopying or simply have somewhere quiet to sit and read the newspaper.

“The library will be closely monitored by CCTV and there will be an emergency phone available in case of need.

“We hope Open+ will be well received and make visits to our libraries much more convenient and efficient for its users.”

Customers will be asked to sign a behavioural contract before they receive their e-cards and will also be shown how the system works.

The technology is set to be installed in all of the other libraries in the borough in the coming months.