Public Libraries are due to begin offering more services to the public as outlined in Phase 2 of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. However, it will be some time before full library services can resume.  In Phase 2 services will begin to be provided to the public in a step-by-step manner in line with public health guidance.

What to expect in Phase 2

Library users can expect a safe lending service via a ‘Contact and Collect’ lending model.

Users can return items on loan. Returned items will be placed into quarantine for 72 hours before being available for lending.

This means that at first, library spaces will be restricted to library staff only and will not be accessible to the public.

As the government roadmap progresses, the library sector will plan a gradual re-opening aligned to health and safety directives. But over time, and with caution and care, we will begin to re-open our buildings to the public.

In all situations, the health and safety of library users and staff will be paramount. Social distancing will be observed where library users interact with services, and all health and safety protocols will be observed.

How will ‘Contact and Collect’ work? 

1. Library users contact their library and make a request for books, CDs or DVDs via phone, web chat or email.

a. This is a human-to-human service – users are asked to engage with library staff to decide on titles/genres

b. Parents/guardians must contact the library on behalf of children under 12 years

c. A maximum of 5 books per Library borrower can be ordered

d. Staff cannot guarantee to fill specific requests, picks are based on availability

2. Staff pick items from the available stock in the branch library

3. A ‘Lucky dip bag’ approach can be taken for borrowers with no specific preferences

4. Staff will notify borrowers when items are ready for collection

5. Users pick up their books at designated times. Items will be placed inside a paper bag, with library user identification noted on the outside of the bag.

You can continue to use your library online!

Don’t forget, you can access library services online, and these online services will continue to be available as we move through the re-opening phases.

You can:

• join the library online;

• download eBooks and eAudiobooks;

• read magazines and newspapers

• take eLearning or language courses;

• watch or listen to storytimes and craft sessions.

 

We look forward to meeting you all again.