New chapter begins as library opens up
Phased return begins with click and collect service
AK Bell Library will open its doors this weekend for the first time since March.
The iconic library will reopen on Saturday, July 18 for collections only.
It is part of a phased return of Culture Perth and Kinross services over the coming weeks.
The charitable trust also launched a new ‘click and collect’ service on Wednesday for library members.
This service will enable library members to either choose and reserve books from Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries online catalogue.
It will initially operate from the AK Bell Library with collections available from July 21.
For members who are not online, requests for books can also be made by calling the library service on 01738 444949 or by email at clickandcollect@ culturepk.org.uk
Reserved books will be available to pick up every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from July 21 between the hours of 10am and 4pm at the AK Bell Library west car park. Customers can also use this service to return any library books they have looked after during lockdown.
With the library itself reopening for lending on Saturday, a number of measures have been brought in to keep people safe.
There will be limits on the numbers of people coming into the building at any one-time, social distancing guidance and the introduction of hand sanitising units.
Books will be quarantined for three days when they are returned before they are added back into circulation.
Customers are encouraged to wear a mask for their visit.
Temporary opening hours will be introduced of 10am–1pm and 2pm4pm on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday with a late night opening 5.30pm–8.30pm every Thursday. The library will be closed at lunchtime to ensure a “rigorous cleaning regime” can be maintained.
Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries will also be phasing in additional library locations and services, including a return of computer access, research and study facilities over the coming weeks.
Its digital service, which saw over 12,500 bBooks and audiobooks downloaded during lockdown, will continue.
Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries will continue to provide their digital service. This includes the option to download eBooks, audiobooks, digital magazines and newspapers online.
During lockdown, there were more than 12,500 eBooks and audiobooks downloaded.
Charles Kinnoull, chair of Culture Perth and Kinross, said: “We are thrilled to be able to start to open up again and welcome our communities back to some of our key venues.
“We have been overwhelmed by the support we received when closed and wish to thank everyone for their kindness.”
Helen Smout, chief executive, added: “Everyone at Culture Perth and Kinross has been working hard to make sure we can provide services in new and more flexible ways to make them as accessible as possible.
“We are focusing on reopening our larger venues for now as these have the space to make social distancing manageable and can be adapted to operate within the new Scottish Government and public health guidance.”
For details of the phased reopening of services, visit the website at https:// www.culturepk.org.uk/libraries/akbell-library-reopening/, telephone the AK Bell Library on 01738 44949 or email library@culturepk.org.uk