WATCH: 'Novel' approach to borrowing books as NI libraries reopen
Reopening is phased, and there are changes to how members can borrow and return books.
Last updated 20th Jul 2020
Libraries in Northern Ireland will reopen in a phased way this week. Closed since March 20, but welcoming a staggering 15,000 new members online over lock-down, the service is ready for a busy - but different - return to work.
Tomorrow (July 21) Omagh and Lisburn libraries will reopen the doors, while on Thursday (July 23), Belfast Central, Bangor Carnegie and Derry City buildings will welcome members.
Those with a library card can attend any of those five open buildings, even if it isn't their regular local facility.
Meanwhile the 90 smaller libraries will operate a 'book and collect' service from today, July 20.
The buildings opening have implemented a one-way system, 30-minute maximum stays, soft-seating areas have been removed, hand hygiene is very important, computer capacity is reduced, and some cough-screens have been erected.
One of the main changes though, is that returned books will be stored in a quarantine area for 72 hours, so that the next recipient has peace of mind that the item has not been recently handled.
However, if avid readers are not able to make it to one of the fully open buildings, they can phone their local library, where book requests can be made and the librarians will then prepare a bundle for contactless collection at a given time.
"We can't wait to see members come back"
Julie Reid is Deputy Head of Services at Libraries NI. She told Downtown Cool FM News: "We can't wait to see members back, we've been doing everything we can to keep the customers and staff safe and to ensure there's access to a wide range of books, as well as there being so much to do online as well.
"We also welcomed over 15,000 new customers virtually online over lock-down, so now that we're opening again, we'd love to see them take the next step and come into the library!"
Julie added that the pandemic has been a difficult ordeal for young readers, so it will be special to allow them to visit once again. "We can't wait to see children back! We know it's been a long time for them, home schooling with perhaps only a small selection of library books, so it'll be great to get them some new ones," she concluded.