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Are libraries going to close?
37
Fivemoreminutes1 · 02/11/2020 06:34
Because if they are, I need to do a panic borrow.
covetingthepreciousthings · 02/11/2020 06:42
Yes I believe so
Fivemoreminutes1 · 02/11/2020 06:51
Thanks, I will go and max out my library card!
Coriandersucks · 02/11/2020 06:52
Ffs ours only opened last week
Callcat · 02/11/2020 07:14
Going to? We've been in lockdown for a week. They're closed. Or do you mean English libraries...?
SouterSally · 02/11/2020 07:17
Looks like it, public buildings such as museums and librarys were mentioned to be closed in the press yesterday.
MayFayre · 02/11/2020 07:20
Yes, unfortunately.
The one I work at is hoping to be allowed to offer a click and collect service, it we are waiting for clarification as to whether this will be allowed.
MySaladDays75 · 02/11/2020 07:21
Did they ever open?!
MayFayre · 02/11/2020 07:22
We’ve been open since August but with reduced hours.
Birdsong111 · 02/11/2020 07:30
Don’t be surprised if public libraries end up being permanently closed after this. The public sector is on its knees financially.
MayFayre · 02/11/2020 08:43
It’s a real worry. The libraries are a real lifeline for some of the people who use them. Ours is funded by the community now rather than the local authority, but gets almost all of its income from hiring out the premises when not being used as a library, and there has been none of that since March.
Littleelffriend · 02/11/2020 08:47
Mine has never reopened
cologne4711 · 02/11/2020 09:04
@MayFayre
The one I work at is hoping to be allowed to offer a click and collect service, it we are waiting for clarification as to whether this will be allowed.
Bookshops can do click and collect so I see no reason for libraries not to be able to.
cologne4711 · 02/11/2020 09:05
@Littleelffriend
Yes I imagine some councils just left staff on furlough (or redeployed them - I did see something on here earlier in the year about having redeployed library staff to social care duties).
frozendaisy · 02/11/2020 09:17
I did a panic borrow at weekend
WitchFindersAreEverywhere · 02/11/2020 09:25
Bookshops can do click and collect so I see no reason for libraries not to be able to
Our library did that for months. Reserve online, turn up with a mask and card, queue outside the library and the librarian gave you the books in a paper bag having issued them for you.
They opened half time, still are.
NancyJoan · 02/11/2020 09:25
Ours haven't opened yet!
onemouseplace · 02/11/2020 09:27
Ours has been doing click and collect since reopening. I really hope they stay open.
As a side point, surely libraries are essential for students?
IncidentsandAccidents · 02/11/2020 10:53
I'm taking the dc for panic borrowing after school today 😊
Dustballs · 02/11/2020 13:41
I've just been to the library to stock up and regret it now.
I was stood next to a man for ages. He was on the computer and the books I was choosing from were right next to him. He was coughing a bit and I worried for a moment and then tried not to.
About 10 minutes later he went up to the librarian and said that he was having trouble booking himself in for a Covid test! He said that he'd been told to have a test because he had some of the main symptoms!
Really wishing I hadn't gone to the library now.
LovelyLibraryLady · 02/11/2020 14:29
Librarian here, just waiting to see what we are doing maybe back to click and collect which we have been doing since July and we had been allowing browsing for the last few weeks .
I feel so sorry for many of our elderly/ vulnerable borrowers who were so happy for us to be open again. I must say my local authority has been really on the ball with social distancing, cleaning, hand sanitising and so on. All staff have been well trained on how to keep people coming in as safe as possible. In fact many people have really welcomed (of course with some exceptions) the measures put in place with limited numbers and time allowed inside the branches.
I would of not stood so close to someone who was coughing, and just waited until he moved away, indeed one of my staff would of either asked you to move for a short while, but then we have moved computers, shelves etc so there is plenty space between everyone.
Fingers crossed its not a full shut down.
TheWindOnTheMoon · 02/11/2020 15:01
Ours only reopened last week. Haven't even managed to get there yet 
CuppaTea82 · 02/11/2020 18:38
I work for libraries, we are waiting the government guidance as libraries haven't yet been mentioned although we are expecting them to close
Ellmau · 02/11/2020 18:47
councils just left staff on furlough
Councils weren't allowed to furlough staff unless their job was funded out of income from the service in question, eg leisure centres.
Ihatemyseleffordoingthis · 02/11/2020 18:48
I do consultancy work for a library service.
DCMS are issuing guidance tomorrow, it was being considered today.
Currently their hope is that they can continue to offer click and collect.
RedRosie · 02/11/2020 18:51
University libraries open, and will remain open apparently.
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