SOUND-PROOF meeting pods will be available to users at Oswestry library as part of a new investment by Shropshire Council.

The pods, which are already in place in Shirehall for Shropshire Council staff, have been introduced into Oswestry and four other libraries.

These are Ludlow, Shrewsbury, Market Drayton and Bridgnorth.

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Last year Shropshire Council was awarded £236,950 by Arts Council England to install new equipment that will make library spaces more accommodating and accessible to the wider community.

Shropshire Council has used the funds to purchase the one-to-one interview pods with supporting technology.

The pods are an ideal space for online or in person meetings, or for individual work.

They are fully lit, ventilated, and have wi-fi, power sockets, USB points and a display screen. A laptop is also available on request.

Robert Macey, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture and digital, said that the pods’ introduction is perfect for people seeking to work out of the library.

He added: “Our library service always seeks new opportunities to support the council’s wider ambitions to build resilient and prosperous communities; reflecting how we are all living and our developing community partnerships.

“This grant allows us to use space in the libraries more actively and support a range of services.”

A spokesman for Shropshire Council explained how the pods can be used by the public but did add that charities, councillors and non-profit organisations will be given the equipment for free.

They said: “The pods can be booked by the hour, half-day or full day and free use of the pods will be offered to charities, town and parish councillors and other non-profit organisations who contribute Shropshire Libraries health and wellbeing offer.

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“They are available to hire at a competitive fee for other organisations, businesses and private individuals.

“To make a reservation email shropshire.libraries@shropshire.gov.uk or contact your local library.”

The Libraries Improvement Fund enables library services across England to invest in a range of projects to upgrade buildings and technology so they are better placed to respond to the changing ways people are using them.