Have libraries been mentioned ?

[jessy2018]

Just wondering if they were mentioned as I heard speculation they were being talked about alongside garden centres... my little girl loves to go and look at the books.

[Sparklingbrook]

I've not heard of anything, but I can't see them opening for a long while. I don't know how they would keep the books germ free. At a library you pick them up and put them back before choosing.

[2beautifulbabs]

Hi Op in Wales they are considering opening libraries along with the recycling centres again the welsh government is in talks with all the local councils in how they can achieve this no mention yet as to when they will be opening but they have mentioned it's the next step after Garden centres.

[homemadecommunistrussia]

I think they might come under 'public buildings' in the plan so not reopening until July. I really hope it's earlier too.

Have you had a look at your local library website? There are lots of digital resources available although I know it's not really the same, especially for little children.

[Sparklingbrook]

Will they be wiping the books down?

[jessy2018]

I doubt they will be wiping them down but to me it’s not more risky than children touching all the pens pencils etc at nursery or primary school in June , and they can’t wipe all that down either! Fingers crossed it will be soon. They are normally quite large so I think social distancing wouldn’t be a problem in most!

[jessy2018]

My local library do audio books which I think is a great service . But yes not quite the same for little children !

[BiggerBoat1]

Libraries are looking at plans for re-opening but no dates are being talked about yet.

[Sparklingbrook]

Yes, the schools thing is a worry. While we are still in the grocery shopping cleaning phase it's hard to contemplate touching library books and bringing them home.

[ivykaty44]

most libraries have ebooks, magazines (think good housekeeping, hello, abc cookery) all available to loan online editions. the audio books for children are great.

I would think libraries could open for click and collect orders and delivery is still happening in some areas as it no different from supermarket delivery

[IsadoraQuagmire]

My library books have been automatically renewed until 30th June.

[Cherrypi]

Ours are due back in September now. We are working on delivering books to the elderly and care homes soon.

[Kazzyhoward]

I doubt they will be wiping them down but to me it’s not more risky than children touching all the pens pencils etc at nursery or primary school in June , and they can’t wipe all that down either!

Children are at a much lower risk than the typical more elderly user of a library, unless you were thinking they would open libraries only for children?

[GingerPCatt]

I work in a small library (not a public library) and we wipe the returned books with antibac wipes and quarantine them for 3 days before shelving. I think, depending on the size of the library, that could be scaled up.

[Kazzyhoward]

I work in a small library (not a public library) and we wipe the returned books with antibac wipes and quarantine them for 3 days before shelving. I think, depending on the size of the library, that could be scaled up.

But how do you deal with browsers who pick up several books, flick through them, read the cover/insert and then put them back on the shelf? You'd have to insist that any that are touched are put to one side for wiping/quarantine. How feasible would that be?

[Llamapolice]

Our community library is offering click and collect. You order books from the catalogue and pick up 48 hours later (contactless). You can't go in to browse. I'm quite happy with it.

[Sandybval]

A click and collect type service (can people phone too who don't have the internet?) sounds like a great idea. I don't think libraries will open fully as normal for a while though, it's too hard to enforce social distancing.

[DisgruntledGuineaPig]

It's just yet another way that life is that little bit more shit, isn't it? I can afford to buy books, but I do miss being able to get 10+ new books a week for the kids to look at. I can't justify the cost of buying more than 1 a week each for them.

[jessy2018]

@DisgruntledGuineaPig it is absolutely shit and to be honest I just want to be able to go somewhere, ANYWHERE, else with my daughter other than our house, garden and parks!! Even just a slither of her previous normal such as wandering around a library would be such a treat right now.