How are Wiltshire's libraries affected by Lockdown 2?

Wiltshire Council's confirmed how their library service will be able to operate through this lockdown - with some sites affected more than others.

For Salisbury's Library, they're having to close for browsing - but will continue to operate as an 'order and collect' service, and for the bookable computers on site.

At Amesbury, they were already only open for those services, and they will carry on.

Order and collect is available through the Wiltshire Council website, or download the Solus Library app to your device, using the location ID 'WILTS'.

Libraries in Wilton, Tidworth, Mere and Pewsey will have to shut their doors again temporarily.

Downton's site was due to reopen today (Friday 6th November) but that's been put on hold.

Wiltshire Council say they'll also be stopping the mobile library service for now, but they'll be keeping that under review to restart as soon as possible.

Any books taken out of Wiltshire libraries at the moment will be automatically renewed.

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Cabinet Member for Libraries, said:

“Our libraries team continues to innovate and adapt during this difficult period, and are committed to ensuring they can provide some services while the restrictions are in place.

“A good selection of books will certainly help people and momentarily whisk their imagination away from some of the stresses of life.”

WHAT ABOUT HAMPSHIRE?

Browsing in all Hampshire County Council run libraries is being temporarily suspended while this lockdown's in place.

Their Ready Reads click and collect service will continue though, to be picked up from your local site.

Hampshire County Council's Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage, Councillor Seán Woodward, said:

"As people are asked to remain at home as much as possible during the new national restrictions, Hampshire Libraries have an important role to play in supporting young and old alike through the lockdown.

"In the interest of everyone's safety, which remains our top priority, we will not be able to support browsing in any of our branches while the latest national Covid-19 lockdown is in place. We encourage customers to instead look through our digital library and borrow and return digital items from the comfort of their homes, if they can.

"Alternatively, customers can make use of our Ready Reads service, and for those people who do not have online access or who need to borrow physical items, we have a range of other services that make choosing, reserving and collecting items quick and safe. Starting on 5 November, any fines for overdue loans will be frozen."

There's more about the click and collect service and digital resources on the Hampshire County Council website.