More Wiltshire libraries reopen and mobile service back on the road

Five more libraries will reopen in Wiltshire over the next three weeks. These libraries will be fully reopened for people to browse for up to 30 minutes, to select and loan books and book a computer for up to 45 minutes.

Wiltshire Council has worked closely with the library service volunteers to enable these libraries to re-open sessions operated as usual by staff and some by volunteers.

The libraries will reopen on:

• Pewsey -Tuesday 27 October
• Wilton -Thursday 29 October
• Mere -Friday 30 October
• Cricklade -Tuesday 3 November
• Downton -Friday 6 November

Here's the key information customers need to know:

·      Loan items continue to be renewed automatically, currently to the end of October, so there is no rush to return items

·      People can attend one of these libraries and browse for up to 30 minutes

·      People are advised to be sensible and not pick up and put back lots of books

·      Social distancing measures will be in place, with clear signage

·      Customers and staff are asked to wear face coverings

·      Hand sanitiser will be available at each library

·      Depending on how many people are using the library, people may have to queue outside upon arrival

·      Computers in the libraries can be used for 45 minutes, but people must book them in advance. They can be booked by phoning the relevant library during their opening hours

·      People should bring their library cards

·      Returned books will be stored for 72 hours before being put back on shelves. You will not incur fines as a result of the short delay.

·      Screens will be in place at main customer service desk

·      People will be asked to provide contact details as part of the COVID-19 test and trace system. Details will be handled in accordance with GDPR law

Mobile libraries also returning

The mobile libraries providing services to rural areas and residential homes will also be hitting the road again from Tuesday 20 October.

Having looked carefully at how to operate mobile libraries during the COVID-19 pandemic, they will re-open with the following measures to help keep people safe:

• Social distancing measures are in place, with clear signage
• Only one customer at a time can access the mobile library. Depending on whether someone is already using the library, you may have to queue outside upon arrival
• Browsing will be limited to five minutes if other customers are waiting. People are advised to be sensible and not pick up and put back lots of books
• Customers and staff are asked to wear face coverings
• Hand sanitiser is available on entering the mobile library
• People should bring their library cards
• Returned books will be stored for 72 hours before being taken off their account and put back on the shelves. People will not incur fines as a result of the short delay
• Screens will be in place at the customer service desks
• People will be asked to provide contact details as part of the COVID-19 test and trace system. Details will be handled in accordance with GDPR laws

The mobile library timetables are available on the council's website at https://services.wiltshire.gov.uk/MobileLibrary/ (opens new window).

Some minor alterations to the mobile library timetables such as adjustments to the arrival/departure times at some stops may be necessary to accommodate new procedures. Customers at affected stops will be notified.

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

Our libraries team has worked incredibly hard and in partnership with our volunteers to get the next set of libraries in Wiltshire reopen and get our much loved mobile library service back up and running.

Our library service has adapted so well throughout the pandemic and it's great to see people continually embrace what we've been able to offer. It's good to see the mobiles back on the road again, serving the rural areas of Wiltshire and the most vulnerable .