Wembley Library and the Virtues of Colocation

The benefits of Colocation are often cited in the libraries debate.  I suggested this would be true of the new Wembley Library some time ago.  The Civic Centre does after all colocate the new library with Brent's registry office, benefits advice, a major venue for all sorts of different groups to hire out, planning, other Council services and fairly soon some retail outlets as well.  This no doubt helps underpin the spectacular growth in numbers at Wembley Library.

Although Wembley Library has long had the standard Brent offer of seven day opening, it has now opened the doors from 8am, not just the usual opening time of 10am.  This is made possible by the need for the rest of the Civic Centre to be staffed at that time, and the availability of self service machines.  Although the 8am to 10am slot is not fully operational since there are no staff, you can borrow or return a book, use the desks and read periodicals or other materials during that period, so it is a genuine expansion at effectively no cost.