Amesbury library reopens after lockdown
The facility has been shut since the pandemic hit in March.
Amesbury library will reopen later today ( Tues 15th September).
You won't be able to drop-in and browse the services at the Smithfield Street site, instead Wiltshire Council will be providing an 'order and collect' service.
Their computers can also be booked to use for 45 minute slots.
HOW WILL THE ORDER AND COLLECT SERVICE WORK?
Here is what Wiltshire Council say to expect from the 'order and collect' service:
- People are asked to let the council know what kind of books they enjoy. This can be done by completing an online form or by phoning the respective library during their opening times.
- The council will need to know the person's library card number and phone number.
- Twelve books will then be selected on the person's behalf or 20 for a family - audiobooks can also be selected if the person has an audiobook subscription or membership exemption.
- When the books are available, the council's library team will contact the person to arrange for them to collect them from the library entrance at a date and time that's convenient for them.
- When the person arrives, a library team member will ask for the person's name and to see their library card, and then pass on the books.
- Books can be reserved online and can be loaned for three weeks at a time and can be returned through the library letter box at any time.
Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Libraries, said:
"Our libraries team has worked incredibly hard to get more and more libraries open and providing services. We have to manage our staffing levels carefully so although we can't allow people to browse at this batch of eight libraries, they will still be getting services - and that's the most important thing."
"The order and collect service will also likely introduce people to new titles and stories that they may not have heard of or read before and that will be exciting. I shall certainly be giving it a go and look forward to some expert suggestions. Our library service has adapted so well throughout the pandemic and it's great to see people continually embrace what we've been able to offer."
WHAT ABOUT USING COMPUTERS?
You will be able to use computers but will need to call the library on 01980 623491 to book this in advance.
WHAT ABOUT OTHER LIBRARIES?
Wiltshire Council is operating a phased reopening of it's libraries across the county with Salisbury and Warminster libraries among the first batch to reopen on August 4th.
7,000 people have used those libraries and the local authority says the feedback has been great.
By the end of this week 14 libraries will have reopened.
Discussions are still being held on opening the remaining libraries including Downton, Tidworth, Tisbury, Wilton , Netheravon and Pewsey.
There are 33 libraries in Wiltshire, including mobile ones, and council bosses have already warned it won't be possible to run all of them during the COVID-19 pandemic "due to our current resources and finances."
The local authority says it's likely to run a reduced service for six months and "there will be regular reviews in between to see how effective this is."
Visit the Wiltshire Council website to find out more, including opening times.