Libraries are offering a book collection service
County Wexford’s five libraries started the process of re-opening on Monday by offering a collection service to the public.
From this week, libraries in Wexford, Enniscorthy, Gorey, New Ross and Bunclody are offering a Click and Collect service by appointment only.
Choose a genre or subject area and the library staff will pick out up to six books/DVDs/ CDs for you. You will then be given an appointment to collect the items from your local library.
You can contact the library online by filling out a simple form on www.wexfordcoco.ie/ libraries, email libraryhq@ wexfordcoco.ie or telephone 053-9196000 and dial 3 from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Monday to Friday.
The library hopes to restore its regular reservation service soon. No appointments are needed for book returns.
Drop your items in the returns bin outside the collection area. Check with your local library for returns hours.
A book delivery service is available for cocooning members of the public
and those who are vulnerable. Telephone 053 9196000 Monday to Friday. More than 2,000 items have been delivered through the Book Call Service during the coronavirus crisis.
People can continue to access the library service online 24/7 as the country moves through re-opening phases. You can join the library online, download eBooks and eAudiobooks, read magazines and newspapers, take eLearning or language courses, watch or listen to storytimes and take part in other activities like online book clubs.
Wexford County Council chairman, Cllr Michael Sheehan said said the library service is delighted to be able offer physical book loans to the public by appointment.
‘While it is likely to be some time before full library services can resume, we hope that members of the public will understand the need for a phased approach to re-opening our libraries which is being guided by public health advice.
‘We particularly look forward to being able to offer bags of takeaway books to children and young people who have missed their regular supply of books from their local library in recent times’, he said.
According to the library service, there has been a explosion in interest in reading recently, with over 5,000 people now using the eBook service.
It is hoped that the collection service will meet the needs of borrowers who have remained loyal to the service during the lockdown, until such time as the libraries open fully.