News

COVID-19 update - April 2021

From the week beginning Monday 12 April, Aldbourne, Amesbury, Bradford on Avon, Calne, Chippenham, Corsham, Cricklade, Devizes, Downton, Malmesbury, Marlborough, Melksham, Mere, Netheravon, Pewsey, Royal Wootton Bassett, Salisbury, Tidworth, Trowbridge, Warminster, Westbury and Wilton libraries and our mobile libraries will reopen for browsing following the Government's confirmation to proceed with Step 2 of the roadmap out of lockdown.

You will also be able to access bookable public computers at these libraries, except at Aldbourne Library due to lack of space. Tidworth Library will offer browsing at weekends only and offer an Order and collect service during the week.

The North Mobile library will be back on the road from 12 April and the South Mobile library from Friday 16 April. 

In line with the Wiltshire Council Roadmap, we are taking a cautious approach to reopening. As lockdown is eased, opening hours and services will be increased in a phased way over the next few months. For individual opening times and days, please visit the Library locations and opening times page and the Mobile Libraries page.

Box, Durrington, Ludgershall, Lyneham, Market Lavington, Purton, Ramsbury and Tisbury will remain closed for now. The council is working with the libraries' volunteers to reopen these as soon as possible. Further updates will follow in due course.

As each library branch has unique staffing and building considerations, some locations are taking a phased approach to re-introducing elements of their traditional service offer. 

The following COVID-19 safety measures will be in place in our libraries to help keep you and our staff safe:

• Browsing time will be restricted to a maximum of 30 minutes to limit the number of people in the library at any one time
• Social distancing measures are in place, with clear signage
• Face coverings are mandatory for staff and customers, unless exempt due to a medical condition
• Hand sanitiser is available at each library
• Depending on how many people are using the library, you may have to queue outside upon arrival
• Computers in the libraries can be used for 45 minutes, but you must book them in advance. They can be booked by phoning the relevant library during their opening hours
• Library staff will only be able to provide limited help to customers using the computers, whilst maintaining social distancing rules. If you need help using the computer, please bring someone with you to support you and let staff know when you book so that they can book you on to a computer with additional space
• Returned books will be stored for 72 hours before being taken off your account and put back on the shelves
• Screens are in place at main customer service desks
• You 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 following will not be available for the time being:

• Toilet facilities
• Group activities such as book clubs and rhyme time sessions
• Newspapers and magazines.

Library material borrowed before lockdown is due back from the beginning of May at the earliest.

The online library content, which has proven to be hugely popular, will continue. Visit our Active Communities resources page for more information.