For the first time since March, members of the public are now able to drop into Bradley Stoke Library without an appointment and browse the books on offer.
After being fully closed since March, South Gloucestershire libraries reopened in a limited way in July, providing ‘click and collect’ and bookable IT services.
The current opening times are shorter than normal hours, with all libraries closing at 4pm. At Bradley Stoke they are:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 10am-4pm
- Saturday: 9.30am-12pm
Elsewhere in the North Fringe, Filton Library has not been able to reopen due to essential building work being carried out, but Patchway Library will now also open on Mondays, in addition to its normal opening days.
The number of people using a library at one time will be limited and IT users are encouraged to book in advance to ensure a personal computer is free at the time they want to visit.
Safety checks have taken place at all library buildings, in line with government guidance, and all customers are required to wear face coverings.
South Gloucestershire Cabinet member for communities, Cllr Rachael Hunt, said:
“I am delighted that our libraries are now able to welcome customers to browse and borrow again after what has been an extremely tough few months for everyone.”
“Throughout the lockdown period we have continued to support people by delivering books, providing a ‘click and collect’ service, extending our eBook and eAudio collections; even adding daily newspapers to our online services so people didn’t need to leave home as often.”
“We have carefully planned the reopening and have taken into account the safety of both the public and our staff, and it’s fantastic news that we can invite members of the public to drop-in and explore their local library once again.”
The library service’s much appreciated ‘click and collect’ service will continue to operate for people who prefer not to choose their own books but have them selected by the staff.
For further information about the reopening of libraries and details of the measures being put in place, including the ‘click and collect’ service and booking of personal computers, visit www.southglos.gov.uk/librarychanges or call 01454 865022.
This article originally appeared in the October 2020 issue of the Bradley Stoke Journal magazine (on page 29). The magazine is delivered FREE, nine times a year, to ALL 8,700 homes in Bradley Stoke. Phone 01454 300 400 to enquire about advertising or leaflet insertion.
Update: Opening hours extended
Added 25th October 2020.
Since the above article was published in our magazine, the opening hours at libraries have been extended (with effect from 5th October 2020). At Bradley Stoke they are now:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 10am-6pm
- Saturday: 9.30am-12pm
