From 5 November, Hampshire residents will continue to be able to use the Ready Reads click and collect service and make reservations to request and collect physical items from their local public library – but browsing in libraries will be temporarily suspended to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
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 starting on 5 November, 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.
“Our School Library Service will also continue to offer its usual service to support Hampshire schools while they are open.”
From 5 November, library customers can continue to:
Use the Ready Reads: We Select, You Collect service, where Library staff hand select handpick books for collection from your chosen library – you can access this service online or by calling 01962 454747
Reserve and renew physical items online
Reserve and renew library books on your smartphone using the Spydus Mobile app
Use the Home Library Service if you can’t get to the library due to ill-health, disability or caring responsibilities
Join virtual children’s activities such as Online Rhymetime and Online Storytime
If you are a library member, pre-book to use an in-branch computer for essential activity only free of charge – book online or by calling 01962 454747.
During the national COVID-19 lockdown, the following temporary changes will be in place across all Hampshire libraries from 5 November:
No in-branch browsing permitted
All library cafés will be closed
Library toilet facilities will be closed to the public – sanitiser stations will continue to be available
Fines for late return of books will be frozen
Magazines will not be available to loan.
Anyone living, working or studying in Hampshire can become a Hampshire Library member.
For more information about the Library Service, its digital resources and online activities, visit www.hants.gov.uk/library
If you’re interested in volunteering with Hampshire Libraries to support initiatives such as the Home Library Service, please visit www.hants.gov.uk/librariesandarchives/library/aboutus/volunteering