ince March, in line with government coronavirus guidelines, Swindon’s five core libraries have been closed to the public. As restrictions begin to ease, we can now start a phased process to reopen our libraries, while ensuring you and our staff are safe at all times.
From today, (14 July), we have introduced our new Click, Call and Collect service at Central Library, allowing customers to reserve books online or by telephone.
While preparations continue, residents will not be able to access the building’s other services such as toilets, computers or study areas when collecting or returning books.
From Monday, 27 July, the Click, Call and Collect service will be available at North Swindon, West Swindon, Highworth and Park Libraries. A wider reopening of services is currently scheduled for August and further information around this will be available in due course.
Click, Call and Collect
From today (14 July), a Click, Call and Collect service has been introduced at Central Library, allowing customers to reserve books online or by calling 01793 463238.
Library staff will pick the books you have selected from those available at that branch, or, if you are unsure of which specific books to read, they will choose some books for you.
You will be contacted when books are ready to be collected, which can then be picked up from the Central Library during the current opening hours. People who are shielding or self-isolating can nominate someone else to collect books on their behalf.
During collection, previous books can also be returned. Customers just returning books do not need to call and can return books anytime during our opening hours.
Measures will be in place to ensure the safety of customers, including ensuring all books and other items returned to us are quarantined for 72 hours.
More information on the service and the measures we have taken to make our libraries COVID-secure can be found on our website.
Digital services to enjoy
During lockdown, we have been working to improve our already extensive digital offer and make sure residents can continue enjoying library services. These digital resources include:
- Our new instant digital membership system, providing residents a faster and easier way to become library members
- An expanded range of eResources giving you free access to premium websites
- An increased and improved selection of eBooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers
- For the first time, a range of eComics are now available
- A series of regular online story times are now shared on YouTube and Facebook
Last but not least…
Continue to look after yourself and each other, we hope you are all well and staying safe.
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