WHILE some of us may be queuing for high street shops, and other desperate for a haircut, bookworms across Basingstoke will be pleased to know that libraries can also open from tomorrow (Monday, May 12).

In line with the Government’s COVID-19 roadmap, Hampshire County Council is gearing up to reopen public libraries for browsing.

Hampshire Record Office will also reopen for pre-booked appointments from April 13.

Hampshire County Council's director for culture, communities and business services, Felicity Roe, said: “We’ve worked hard to offer residents a range of digital and ‘order & collect’ services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, but we can’t wait to welcome people back through the doors in the coming weeks.

“The Government’s COVID-19 roadmap states that libraries can be included in ‘step two’ from April 12, so our teams are gearing up to reopen our doors from this date.

“There will be a range of measures in place to provide added reassurance to our customers. This includes reduced capacity to allow social distancing, pre-booking for public computers, and the quarantine of all books returned to us. We are also encouraging library users to use self-service machines, cashless payments and to download our app which enables you to check out books on your smartphone.”

However, much like everything, there will be some slight tweaks to how libraries in the county to operate, to allow people to enjoy them safely in the coming weeks and months.

Here's what you can expect ...

Opening times

Hampshire County Council is advising people check the opening times of your local public library before your visit, as these might not be the same as pre-lockdown.

You can do this at www.hants.gov.uk/library

Book lending and short visits

To reduce wait times and allow as many people as possible to visit our libraries, people are asked to limit their visits to a maximum of 30 minutes and to keep browsing to an absolute minimum.

Reserved items can also be collected at this time.

Self-service including the library app

Customers are asked to use self-service machines to borrow or return items where possible, or download the Spydus Mobile app to check out books by mobile phone.

A ‘fines holiday’ on overdue loans

There is a ‘fines holiday’ in place until Tuesday June 1 2021, to allow time for customers to safely return all overdue items with no fines applied.

Items returned after this time will still be subject to overdue fines.

Customers can still pay outstanding charges online, by calling 0300 555 1387 or at any of the county's libraries, using cashless payments where possible.

Shared computers

Public computers are free of charge to use for all library card holders.

To secure a session, you must now book in advance by calling 01962 454747.

A place to study

Study places will be available if pre-booked.

Again, to secure a session, you will need to book in advance by calling 01962 454747.

Toilets

Unfortunately, toilet facilities will remain closed to the public for the time being.

Groups and events

Events, activities and groups won’t be able to meet in libraries yet, however HCC's online timetable of events and activities which includes live baby Rhymetime, sessions, story time, bedtime stories and podcasts continues to offer access to some of the most popular sessions.

  • Full details of what to expect when next visiting a Hampshire library, including current opening times as well as information on digital resources and online activities is available at: www.hants.gov.uk/library