Libraries

[calda49]

Have the libraries in your area reopened? They were included in venues allowed to open after 4th July, but when I tried to access mine, it was still closed. I phoned to ask the council, but was told "Not in the foreseeable future" If they can open supermarkets and shops, why not libraries, as they are like supermarkets for books. I really miss my library. How do others feel?

[woofgang]

our library system has had e borrowing for years.

[cashier]

My local library opens next Monday. Have to make appointment to browse and they will only open 10-1.00.

[Gill1941]

Our library has been open since 4th.
Not allowed to go in and browse but can reserve books and collect them from the lobby.
All returned books put into a container in the lobby and left for 72 hours before being let out to anyone else.
It's not ideal but better than nothing.

[Milo2]

Some of our libraries have opened but not all. The system being used is like the one described by Gill1941.

[Buenchico]

Most libraries are now open here in Suffolk but you need to book an appointment at some of them:
https://www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/coronavirus/

[jennyjoan]

what is e-borrowing

[Mamyalynne]

JJ

https://www.librariesni.org.uk/Pages/eBooks.aspx

[barry1010]

Mine is open but I mainly use it online to download ebooks

[andy-hughes]

calda49 - // If they can open supermarkets and shops, why not libraries, as they are like supermarkets for books. //

Not really.

Libraries involve dozens of people handling the same books and taking them into their homes, and then returning them to the library to repeat the process over and over again.

There is no similarity to supermarkets, where everyone buys food, takes it home, and consumes it - strictly one-way traffic.

[jennyjoan]

thanks for that Mamy - never knew that.

[Mamyalynne]

You're welcome.

[gingejbee]

Local library open and operating as normal...browse, return, borrow, computer-use, no appointments etc. Lots of hand sanitizer....and contact-tracing details needed.

[New Judge]

Went past my local library today. It is one of the larger in my LA area. It reopened on 4th July - one of six to reopen of the area's total of sixteen. I haven't measured it but it is about two bus lengths long (about 20 metres) by about one bus length (10 metres) wide. So about 200 square metres. Two computer slots limited to 30 mins, pre-bookable, first come first served. Admission is limited to 7 (yes seven) people (including the two computer users). So about 30 square metres per person - a space about six metres by five metres each. No books are available to be browsed or touched. All the shelves encased in thick black plastic. Borrowing books is restricted to a pre-packed bag of five in a genre of the borrower's choice (e.g. crime, romance, war, etc.). And they are open for four hours a day, 10am to 2pm.

So to summarise: two computer slots at 30 mins; a bag of books of the librarian's choice, some or all of which the borrower may already have read; four hours a day opening. A complete and utter waste of time and council taxpayers' money. The staff of the libraries that are open are on full pay for half a week's work, those at the other ten libraries are on full pay for no work at all. Nice work if you can get it.