Libraries news
All Wiltshire libraries will be closed and the mobile libraries will be off the road on Thursday 2 and Friday 3 June 2022 for the Spring and Queen's Platinum Jubilee Bank Holidays.
During May, Wiltshire libraries and the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre are celebrating Local History Month with a range of events and displays. Information about these events and how to book can be found in the Local History Month 2022 booklet (gi.ui.mediatype.odt) [16MB] (opens new window) or by visiting the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre Local History Month blog.
Many of our libraries extended their opening hours from Monday 4 April 2022. Tisbury and Tidworth libraries will be re-instating their self-service sessions to further extend their hours. For individual library opening times and days, please visit library locations and opening times. Important safety measures will continue to be in place.
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. Bookable public computers are currently not available at Aldbourne and Ramsbury libraries due to lack of space.
The following COVID-19 safety measures are in place in our libraries to help keep you, our staff and volunteers safe:
- We recommend that you wear a face covering, unless exempt due to a medical condition, and use the hand sanitiser on entry. Screens remain in place at main customer service desks
- As a safe space we want to ensure our users have an option to socially distance - we therefore ask that you maintain at least a one metre social distance from other customers, staff and volunteers whilst using the library space. During busy times, especially in children's areas, you may have a small wait
- Computers in the libraries can be used for two hours per day. If you wish to guarantee a computer is available, they can be booked by phoning the library during their opening hours
- Library staff will provide help to customers using the computers, whilst maintaining social distancing rules. If you need help using the computer, we would recommend that you bring someone with you to support you. Please let staff know when you book so that they can allocate you a computer with additional space
During the week beginning 29 November 2021, Market Lavington Library reopened in a new location following its closure due to the pandemic in March 2020.
The library is now based at the Old School, Church Street following a successful partnership between Wiltshire Council and Market Lavington Parish Council.
Situated in the John Reid Room the library provides a flexible space with moveable shelving for group visits and increased activities for all ages.
The previous library developed some building issues during the pandemic which delayed its reopening after lockdown was lifted. The reopening means all 34 libraries in Wiltshire are now open.
The new location offers improved public access and facilities for customers and volunteers encompassing an adjacent car park, kitchen, toilets and disabled access.
Initially the library will be open Wednesdays from 2pm - 5pm and Fridays from 10am - 5pm, returning to its 12 hours a week of opening as soon as additional volunteers have been trained.
Wiltshire Council launched the Wiltshire Year of Reading on 27 September 2021. It's a year-long campaign involving schools, libraries and communities to encourage people of all ages to delve into reading.
As part of the Wiltshire Year of Reading, libraries will be hosting events throughout the year including, author talks, book festivals, a Harry Potter night and promoting the benefits of library membership.
We are also creating our very own 'Wiltshire Top 100 Books' to encourage people to try reading different books. There will be five book lists compiled, four for different school age groups and one for grown-ups.
All schools in the county are being invited to sign up to a reading awards scheme that enhances reading in each school through a series of achievements to tick off along the way. The scheme is different for primary and secondary and will feature a range of milestones to reach bronze, silver and gold. Early years settings will also have a range of books to cover to start children learning from an early age. Schools who achieve the gold award can become 'beacon reading schools', sharing their outstanding practice within others. To mark the achievement of each stage, schools will receive certificates.
Early Years settings and children's centre services will be focussing on a book a month with lots of exciting activities, there will also be the chance to access Bookstart Bookcorner and Early Words Together Groups to support the development of language skills and to encourage an early love of reading.
The Family and Community Learning Team provides learning for families and the wider community and has a range of courses available targeting reading to help people who want to have new skills. For families the courses can help with learning at home and for the wider community for stepping up skills and into new work. Details of the courses can be found on the Work Wiltshire: Family and Community Learning website.
On 15 March 2021, we moved from RBdigital to OverDrive and the Libby app for our eBooks, Audiobooks and eMagazines. For more information, visit our eBook, eAudiobooks and eMagazine FAQs.
Download the new Solus library app from the App Store or Google Play store to quickly renew and request items on your phone or tablet. The Location ID is WILTS.
