Norfolk Libraries to re-introduce borrowing rules
They come in today (1 November)
The borrowing rules at Norfolk’s libraries change from toda (1 November) to allow as many people as possible to enjoy reading at home.
Since the lockdown began in March, all items borrowed from Norfolk libraries have been renewed automatically and users could keep up to 45 items at a time.
From today, books will need to either be renewed or returned before the due date. Each item can renewed up to 12 times if it hasn’t been reserved by someone else.
The maximum number of items each library user can borrow is also set to be reduced from 45 to 20. Any items that are overdue will be subject to charges from 22 November.
Jan Holden, head of Norfolk’s libraries and information service, said:
"We have seen so many people enjoying the library service through extended borrowing and this has continued as we opened up each site. We want to ensure that even more people can benefit from our extensive range of books so I’d encourage everyone to begin returning reserved items when they can."
The new borrowing guidelines are not a return to the pre-lockdown rules which only allowed users to keep up to 15 items and renew each book 3 times.
Cllr Margaret Dewsbury, cabinet member for people and communities, said:
"Our library service has been vital to our communities throughout the pandemic and a more flexible borrowing system has been a big part of this. I’m encouraged that we can continue to offer everyone the opportunity to keep a number of books while ensuring that others can reserve and enjoy our collection."
Users will be notified by email when items are due back or overdue. Books can be returned by using the drop-box at each library or via the self-service kiosks.
Each library has safety measures in place to keep visitors safe with an explainer video on the library and information service youtube channel.