Nottingham City Council is reopening some libraries from Monday 6th July 2020 as part of a phased reopening, in line with Government guidance.
Having previously closed all libraries in March due to Coronavirus, the City Council had to move its operation online with the launch of an Online Library. This supported customers during lockdown by giving them more ways to access library services online. While libraries were closed, the council’s libraries service has performed risk assessments of the buildings and team members to make necessary preparations to welcome visitors back to libraries safely.
The five libraries that will reopen first are the Dales Centre, Hyson Green, The Meadows, Southglade Park and Strelley Road. This will enable Nottingham City Libraries to resume services with customers in a safe and socially distanced way.
These changes to the way in which libraries will work have been introduced:
- All books will be stored for 72 hours prior to returning to the shelf for lending
- Computers will need to be booked with a team member on the desk or by phone
- Self-service machines will be available and will be regularly cleaned for the safety of customers and team members
- Hand sanitiser will be available for use upon entering the library
- A queuing system will be in place to manage the number of customers in each library at any time.
Nottingham City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, Cllr Dave Trimble, said: “I am delighted that we are in a position to begin reopening our libraries, including new measures to deliver library services and manage capacity in a safe way.
“We are looking forward to welcoming customers back, as we recognise the valuable role that libraries play in supporting the people of Nottingham. Libraries are an incredible resource for information, education, entertainment and more and it is great that the service is able to reopen safely for residents.”
Over the coming weeks, there will be a phased return of wider Nottingham City Libraries and customers can check the online page: www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/libraries/coronavirus to keep up to date for when their library will resume service. The Online Library will continue to support customers from home with resources such as eBooks and eMagazines, Education, Entertainment and advice on Health & Wellbeing.
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