Re-opening of public libraries?

[Aridane]

Does anyone more knowledgable than me on the government’s route map to return to something approaching some form of normality have any idea when public libraries may be re-opening?

Sorry, can't help Aridane. I tried to find this out myself this morning but got nowhere. My current loans are booked out until end of June - don't know if that's significant, as they have been since some time in March. I'm desperate for new reading material.

Ah - I’m desperate to no longer work from home for the foreseeable and at least be able to go to the library with my laptop and work

I couldn’t find anything either

Not the same but Irish libraries are going to be doing click and collect service, but the public will not be allowed to access the physical building.
They may well follow the same policy in the UK.

Oh 🙁

I think it will be different in different areas and different library. A library local to us is run by volunteers mostly over the age of 70, so it won’t be in full swing yet.
Click and collect might come in first with then gradual phased returns to normal as and when we can ease social distancing.

I've been lost without our local library and have used my kindle and Borrowbox - not as good as a real book though! I can't see how we'll be able to browse and leaf through books though so it might be a click and collect service? At 75p a reserve, I better choose wisely!

I can cope with click and collect.

On my council's website libraries are with leisure facilities. The opening of leisure facilities is on stage 3 of the roadmap - I've got early July in my head.

My mum works at a library and when they are allowed to open, the plan is click and collect and potentially delivering books. Chairs have been removed. Many of the staff are older and they want to keep them safe.

I would have thought libraries were lower risk than eg gyms or swimming pools, especially if only open for click and collect and use of computers.

But someone said on another thread that staff had been redeployed to being home helps (lucky them - I am sure they didn't become librarians to wipe bottoms!) so unredeploying them will probably take time.

Swimming pool reopenings will be delayed by the need to make sure lifeguards are up to date, pass their competency test and are still fit enough to meet the requirements. I think my ds might struggle a bit.

Ok - so my plans for doing my ‘working from home’ in a library - ie to enjoy a table and chair and not ‘polluting’ my home with work - may not be an option for some while...

@lifestooshort123 you have to pay 75p to reserve a book?! That’s mind boggling. In my county it is free which is why I’m so surprised.

I am also keen to know when libraries will reopen, Im really missing stocking up on books for my little one. Before it was for me, but I don’t have time to read now.
I imagined that when libraries reopened the returned books would be put in quarantine for a few days, but reading above it looks like they also don’t want people browsing and touching the books 🙁

It would be a great excuse for councils to close more libraries down for good wouldn’t it?

AlfieandAnnieRose
Yes, 75p. When I lived in Enfield they were free once I reached 60. I suppose different boroughs spend their cash in different ways. I've no idea what they'll do about disinfecting all the returned books we've got at the moment - perhaps they'll leave them for 72hrs if there's a cupboard big enough!

£1 per book here.

I work as a volunteer in our local library. We’re keeping fingers crossed for reopening in July.

Our library has mostly elderly staff. As much as I would like to be able to issue new books for my daughter. I hope for the sake of the staff they do click+connect whenever they open.

Our local library (Hackney) has a free e-library, and they are allowing anyone to sign up for a temporary membership which will allow them access to the e-resources immediately, so you could sign up to them for free reading material (it's not just for local residents). Or your own library might have ebooks as well - check on their website. I usually access the ebooks on my phone (I don't think it works with a kindle).
hackney.gov.uk/e-library

I work with libraries here and they will be opening up @8th just for drop off and picking up pre-ordered books from the door. In fortnight after they will allow people in, in limited numbers, to use the computers and wifi - but only for booked 45 min sessions. There will be no sitting at the library to study or work or read the papers - or any events - until the Autumn at earliest. It's a disaster for the lonely and those who have no digital access.

Thank you, @Ihatemyseleffordoingthis

It would be a great excuse for councils to close more libraries down for good wouldn’t it?

^this.

As for pools, lifeguards in England at least will lose their ability to work on June 20th/21st/22nd/23rd if they haven't been able to keep up with their professional training

Back when lockdown restrictions were first eased (infinite exercise etc) I’m sure libraries were mentioned as reopening after July 4th,’

Local library still not open (other than for click & collect)

Ours is open so obviously different councils doing different things

I work in one and we reopened at the start of September. It’s a tiny library. We have much reduced hours, lots of complicated quarantine systems for books, 3 staff at a time instead of 4 or 5. Max of 3 households in the library at a time. We also offer a click and collect service and a home delivery service for those who aren’t comfortable with visiting in person.

We have a limited number open but can use membership across them all. Limited walk-in stock but you can order and collect which is fine.