Libraries re-open for ‘click and collect’ service
ALL thirteen of Wicklow County Council’s libraries reopened on Monday but only for a ‘click and collect’ service due to Covid-19 restrictions.
While some other counties are only reopening larger libraries - the decision has been taken by Wicklow County Council to reopen all thirteen libraries at the same time, including smaller libraries.
Director of Services, Michael Nicholson, explained: ‘In line with national government guidance, the library services will be reopening on a phased basis. In order to ensure the safety of all, it will not be possible for the public to enter the library buildings at this time. Instead, the public are welcome to phone or email their local library and request books or items.
‘ The staff will try to satisfy demand as best they can. It will be possible to request an item from any library in county Wicklow, but not from other counties, as the national request service has not yet been restored.
‘I’m sure the public will understand that this restriction may mean they may not always be able to borrow a specific item straight away, but we will do our best to satisfy demand. Library staff will then contact the library member to arrange a time to come and collect their books or items. The public can be guaranteed that all stock will be safe, as all returned stock will be quarantined for three days plus, before being shelved, as advised by the HSA.’
The libraries due to reopen include Aughrim, Arklow, Ballywaltrim, Baltinglass, Blessington, Bray, Carnew, Dunlavin, Enniskerry, Greystones, Rathdrum, Tinahely and Wicklow town.
Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Irene Winters, said: ‘ The return of our library service will be welcomed by all. I know there are more than 30,000 people in County Wicklow who are members of their local library. Some counties reopened just their larger libraries from June 8, but Wicklow County Council always regards the libraries in the smaller towns as being just as important as the larger ones to the people they serve, so it’s great to see that all thirteen will open together. Libraries will also try to deliver books to people cocooning.’