Book the date: Wiltshire Council’s 22 libraries and three mobile libraries re-open for browsing from April 12, and Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre, in Step 2 of the lockdown release.
Library users can browse at all of the libraries and continue to access bookable public computers, except at Aldbourne Library, due to lack of space. Tidworth Library will have browsing at weekends only, with order and collect during the week.
The libraries are taking a cautious approach to reopening. As lockdown is eased, opening hours and services will be increased in a phased way over the next few months.
Durrington, Ludgershall, and Tisbury remain closed but the council is working with the libraries’ volunteers to reopen them as soon as possible.
As each library branch has unique staffing and building considerations, some locations are taking a phased approach to re-introducing elements of their traditional services. Libraries will provide an innovative service with some services on a digital platform.
The libraries will operate with COVID-19 safety measures to ensure social. As part of safety precautions, ‘browsing time’ will be restricted to a maximum of 30 minutes to limit the number of people in a library at any one time. Library material borrowed before lockdown is due back from the beginning of May at the earliest.
The Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre will have limited re-opening from Tuesday, April 13, between 9.30am and 5pm, but customers must book in advance and order documents, which will be quarantined 72 hours before and after their visit.
For more information, visit www.wshc.org.uk.
To book a visit, email archives@wiltshire.gov.uk