FARNHAM readers can now serve themselves down at the town library using their newly installed computerised system, which staff hope will make borrowing and returning books much quicker and simpler. Library managaer Steve Sansom said: "We are trying to publicise our new way of working. Band 1 and band 2 libraries will be changing their opening hours. Saturday we will now be opening at 9am and during the week we will have three closes at six, one at seven and one at 5. "Once people start using the system, things should start to speed up. We had mostly positive comments so far, but some older people have felt the system was too complicated, but once they'd used it a few times they were happy. It's really very simple to use. "The new system has meant that we could build a bigger children section, which has also been decorated. We don't want people to worry that computers will mean staff layoffs. Actually we are taking on new staff to add to the existing staff, who are all wonderful." To use the system, all customers ned to do is slip their card in the slot provided, touch the screen when it says "Touch to start" then select the option needed. For example, to take out a book, simply touch that option, open the front page of the book and scan the bar code under the infra red beams. The system will produce a print out for customers to keep. Management and staff are very excited about the new system at and are keen for members of the public to pass on their comments on. There is still a pay point and Mr Sansom said staff will always be on hand if patrons need assistance with anything.
