Library members can borrow items via a new Click and Collect scheme
Preparations are underway to introduce a phased re-opening of library services in East Lothian. Staff will be returning to some branches in the coming weeks to prepare their lending stock.
Community Wellbeing spokesperson, Cllr Jim Goodfellow, said: “The plan is to open Haddington Library within the John Gray Centre first, from 20 July, initially with a reduced service and opening hours. The library will offer an order and collect service from Wednesday 15 July and Musselburgh Library will follow a similar pattern from early August with updates provided nearer the time.
“Initially, there will be no access for the public to browse shelves, access WIFI and PCs or photocopiers or use meeting rooms and none of the library’s regular events or children’s activities will resume for the time being. Although there will be no physical events or activities within the buildings, the Library Services online e-resources and social media engagement continues.”
"Library Services staff are as eager as everyone to see our libraries reopen and are looking forward to when we can welcome people back to these well-used community facilities but we need to respect current health guidelines.”
“Safety of both public and staff remains our top priority which means we have to have in place appropriate preventative measures against possible spread of covid-19 and it’s important to emphasise that whilst some library services will resume this is not yet an opportunity to return to ‘normality’ with the service operating at a reduced level for some time to come to accommodate safety measures.”
From 15 July, Haddington Library will provide an order and collect service for collection starting from Monday 20 July. Library borrowers will be able to order specific titles or a selection of items including books, DVDs, CDs and audio books which they can then collect in person from the library up to a maximum of 6 per person. Only people who have arranged a collection will be able to visit the library at this stage.
There will be a number of ways to place your requests:
- By email: Haddington.library@eastlothian.gov.uk
- By telephone: ELC switch board – 01620 827827 and ask for Haddington Library
When an order is placed, you will be asked to choose a day and time that is convenient to you for collection and you will need to visit Haddington Library to pick up your items.
There will be a returns bin available at the collection point to return any library books. An appointment is not necessary to return items. Return bins will also be available at the Brunton Hall, John Muir House and Port Seton Community Centre from Monday 20 July.
Initial opening hours for collection times for Haddington Library at the John Gray Centre will be:
- Mon – Fri 10 am - 1pm and 2pm – 4.30pm
- Saturday 10 am – 1pm and 2pm – 3.30pm
The future reopening of other branches will be kept under review and due dates for all items will continue to be extended.