From the 6 July onwards, our libraries will be introducing bookable services so customers can access them in a safe and controlled way following the easing of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.
Customers will be asked to pre-book an appointment in advance to visit a library for IT access and a click and collect facility will be in place for the loan of books, DVDs and audiobooks.
Our libraries will reopen for these services in two phases, with Emersons Green, Kingswood, Patchway, Thornbury and Yate Libraries able to take bookings from 6 July, and the rest following on 13 July. Bradley Stoke Library will not be opening due to the continued closure of the leisure centre.
The libraries reopening for bookable services on 13 July are:
• Cadbury Heath Library
• Downend Library
• Filton Library
• Hanham Library
• Staple Hill Library
• Winterbourne Library.
All of our libraries will have hand sanitiser at the entrances and floor markings will be in place so people can follow the direction of travel required.
Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Rachael Hunt said: “It is great news that our libraries will be introducing these services following the easing of lockdown restrictions and I know that the service is looking forward to welcoming back customers – albeit in a slightly different way, having missed that interaction over the past months.
“To enable us to do this in a safe and managed way, customers must book in advance so we are able to implement social distancing measures. Bookings can be made either by phone or online and we will also be offering a click and collect service and access to IT at most of our libraries.”
Pre-booked appointments will be available on weekdays between 10 am and 4 pm and on Saturday mornings.
We will continue to offer our home library service which has proved to be a valuable addition over the past months, and access to free digital newspapers and magazines, ebooks and audiobooks online, as this has helped to reduce the need for people to leave home – especially those who are shielding.
For further information on the reopening of our libraries and details of the measures being put in place, including how to pre book an appointment or use the click and collect service, visit www.southglos.gov.uk/librarychanges or call 01454 865022.
To book an IT session, or for any other questions call 01454 868006.
