Louth Libraries set out phased re-opening

Louth Libraries are due to begin offering more services to the public as outlined in Phase 2 of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.

However, it will be some time before full library services can resume. In Phase 2 from June 8th, services will begin to be provided to the public in a step-by-step manner in line with public health guidance.

In this second phase of reopening services library users ‘ can expect a safe lending service via a ‘ Contact and Collect’ lending model,’ says Amanda Branigan, Senior Librarian. ‘Users can also return items on loan when collecting an item. Returned items will be placed into quarantine for 72 hours before being available for lending,’ said Amanda.

‘ This means that at first, library spaces will be restricted to library staff only and will not be accessible to the public.’

As the government roadmap progresses, the library sector will plan a gradual re-opening aligned to health and safety directives. But over time, and with caution and care, we will begin to re-open our buildings to the public. In all situations, the health and safety of library users and staff will be paramount. Social distancing will be observed where library users interact with services, and all health and safety protocols will be observed.’

In the ‘Contact and Collect’ process, library users can contact their library and make a request for books, CD’s , DVD’s or audio books via phone or e-mail.

‘ This is a human-to-human service – users are asked to engage with library staff to decide on titles/genres.’

Parents/guardians must contact the library on behalf of children under 12 years. But there will be a cap on the number of books available to borrow, between 3-5, depending on availability in each branch

Staff will notify borrowers when items are ready for collection.