The new schedule is being introduced in a test format and should make the city reading rooms more accessible to those who come after work or study.
The changes will be assessed within a month
Some of the sites will now be open longer on weekdays, and will also offer a small program of evening meetings and thematic collections. Library staff expect that this format will help bring back a regular audience and expand the familiar image of these spaces.
If demand is stable, they plan to maintain the expanded schedule after the test period, adding more local events.
