We are delighted to tell you that libraries are re-opening from Monday April 12th.

All our teams have been busy preparing to open again including adding hundreds of new books to the shelves!

Here’s what you need to know about changes fromMonday 12th April

• Coming back to the library – services available
• Opening Hours
• Covid-19 safe practices at the library
• Returning books
• Fines and renewing books
• Requesting and Collecting items
• Services from home

Coming back to the library – services available

During library opening times, you may now enter the building, browse, borrow and return books. 

Computers may also be booked for use during these times. You can book one 50 minutes computer session at a time as a library member – the computers are booked out for cleaning every hour. We aim to increase the number of sessions you can book in the coming weeks as we manage demand. 

All other services and facilities are under continuous review and will resume as soon as it is safe to do so. 

Opening Hours

Our new opening times are updated on the website so you can discover when your local library is open and the services on offer here.

Covid-19 safe practices at the library

Find out about how we are managing social distancing by reading our Frequently Asked Questions which summarise our Covid 19 safe practices.

Returning books

You can now return items when the library is open. Out of hours, all libraries have a letterbox or drop box to return items (with the exception of Gloucester, Hesters Way and Up Hatherley).

Fines and renewing books

Please be aware that fines are active once again so please check your account and renew or return items to avoid incurring fines.

Requesting and Collecting items

Off the Shelf and reservation services are still available. Now that libraries are open again you can collect requested items from the Reservation shelf at each site without booking a specific collection, once you’ve been told your items are ready to collect. 

For those of you who do not wish to enter a building, a small number of sites will continue to offer collection slots to book in advance. For those sites not offering pre-booked collection slots, please ask the staff member at the entrance during open hours and the items will be brought to you. Please have your library card number available.

Services from home

Whether you return to the library in person or are staying at home, all our digital services are still available, now with even more new titles to enjoy.

Try the new Libby app for FREE eBooks and eMagazines and BorrowBox for FREE audiobooks. More details on our website here

And don’t forget to take a look at our services in our Virtual Reference Library, particularly if you’re looking into family history where you can access local and national historical newspapers and other reference sources to help you.