Portishead Library’s opening hours are to more than double.

It will be first in the area to introduce a swipecard system so users can access it outside of normal opening times.

It means from December the library will be available to use 78 hours a week, compared to 37.5 at present.

Felicity Baker, North Somerset Council’s executive member for libraries, said: “Convenience is important and this will give people greater flexibility in how and when they use the service.

“The new technology is designed to complement the core staffed hours, enabling libraries to stay open longer in the evenings and at weekends.

“It means people will have the choice of visiting during hours when staff are available or during the unstaffed self-serve hours.”

The library will be shut from November 14-17 and November 28-29 so the technology can be installed.

A similar system is planned for Yatton Library.