Phased re-opening of libraries and museums
As Covid lockdown restrictions continue to ease and all of mainland Scotland moves from Level 4 to Level 3 from Monday 26 April plans for the re-opening of East Lothian’s libraries and museums are advancing well.
Sharon Saunders, Head of Communities, said: “Successive UK, Scotland-wide and localised lockdowns have seen many of our public libraries closed for much of the past 12 months with only some services available last summer and autumn. Following yesterday’s confirmation by the First Minister of the move into Level 3 next week we can continue to implement our plans for the gradual re-opening of our library and museum facilities which will be hugely appreciated by local residents and visitors, with our staff eager to welcome customers back. ”
“The pandemic restrictions meant that we had to be both creative and resourceful to keep our customers engaged. From 26 December 2020, when the latest lockdown for mainland Scotland came into force we were able to continue to provide a ‘click and collect’ service at our four busiest libraries – Musselburgh, Haddington, North Berwick and Dunbar.
"We also continued to keep library members informed of a number of online services they could access including eAudio and eBooks collections. The genealogy related resource, Ancestry has proved to be a big hit during lockdown with our library users being able to access this from home since June 2020 which has resulted in an 84% increase in usage since then.”
Preparations are now in place for:
Week beginning 3 May 2021
- Haddington Library and Musselburgh Library to reopen for browsing, click and collect and PC sessions. All services provided by appointment.
- These libraries will also allow customers into buildings on a strict quota system and one way around the library.
Opening Hours - Mon – Friday 10 am – 1 pm & 2– 4.30 pm
The Local History Service to commence on an appointment basis on the same hours as the John Gray Centre but closed on Wednesdays. To make an appointment to visit Local History please call 01620 827827 and ask for Local History or alternatively email history@eastlothian.gov.uk.
John Gray Centre Museum and John Muir Birthplace to reopen from 3 May 2021 at the following times:
- John Gray Centre Museum:
Wednesday to Friday open to the public 10 am, closed for lunch 1 - 2 pm, last appointment 4 pm. - John Muir’s Birthplace Museum:
Wednesday to Saturday open to the public 10 am, last appointment 4:15 pm.
Week beginning 10 May 2021
- Dunbar Library to reopen for browsing, click and collect and PC sessions. All service provided by appointment. Also allowing customers into building on a strict quota system and one way around the library. PCs will be accessible
Open: Mon – Fridays 10 am – 1 pm & 2– 4.30 pm - Prestonpans Library to reopen for click and collect, browsing and PC usage.
Open: Thu – Fridays 10 am – 1 pm and 2-4.30 pm
Week beginning 17 May 2021
- North Berwick Library to reopen for browsing, PC access and blue badge support. All services provided by appointment. Also allowing customers into building on a strict quota system and one way around the library. Click and collect to continue. PCs to be accessible
Open Mon – Friday 10 am – 1 pm 2– 4.30 pm - Tranent Library to reopen for click and collect, browsing, blue badge support and PC usage
Open: Mondays & Tuesdays only 10 am – 1 pm and 2– 4.30 pm
Details of reopening of other libraries and museums will follow in due course. For the Click and Collect service borrowers are able to order specific titles or a selection of items up to a maximum of 6 per person and collect them from the library – Tel: Council main number 01620 827827 and ask for specific library. Library pages on website