Libraries prepare to reopen their doors
Phased return to begin
The doors of library buildings across Perth and Kinross will reopen to the public once more from next week.
Following the Scottish Government announcement on lockdown easing, preparations are underway to reintroduce some of the region’s libraries on a phased basis.
From May 11 the AK Bell Library, Breadalbane Community Library in Aberfeldy, Auchterarder Library, Blairgowrie Library and Scone Library will reopen for visitors to borrow and return books.
Strathearn Community Library in Crieff and Loch Leven Community Library in Kinross will reopen from Friday, May 14.
Also from May 11, the popular mobile library service, now in its 100th year, will once again be hitting the road and visiting local communities across Perth and Kinross.
Opening hours of individual libraries and Mobile Library timetables can be found on the website of library operators Culture Perth and Kinross (Culture PK).
To ensure the libraries provide a safe environment for visitors social distancing guidance and hand sanitising units will be available.
Books will continue to be quarantined for 72 hours when they are returned before they are added back into circulation. Customers will be required to wear a mask for their visit and provide information for Test and Protect purposes.
The AK Bell Library’s popular Café Culture will reopen. The café will welcome back customers for the first time in over 12 months and will be open 10am–3pm from Tuesday to Saturday.
Access to public access computers will once again be available, as will printing, scanning, photocopying and study facilities.
Chief executive of Culture Perth and Kinross Helen Smout said: “We can’t wait to see our customers once more.
“I know how much people have been missing their books and I’m so pleased that we are able to deliver a more comprehensive library offer than previously, bringing services to communities across Perth and Kinross.
“To ensure access to some form of our service is possible across the region, our teams have been working hard to ensure that we open the doors to an increased number of libraries and reintroduce Mobile Library services all at the same time.”
As yet, no date has been set for the reopening of Alyth, Birnam, Comrie, Coupar Angus and Pitlochry Library. However, these communities will be served in the meantime by the mobile library service where customers can drop off and collect book reservations.
The fines amnesty remains in place until the end of May, and customers who still have books or are unable to return books to any of the open libraries from May 11 should get in touch on 01738 444949.
For library users who prefer to stay at home, Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries will continue to provide access to thousands of eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines, via the awardwinning Libby app from OverDrive Libraries.
While visitors to libraries won’t be able to access any physical newspapers or magazines, they will be able to access digital magazines and newspapers from around the world online with PressReader.
The Local and Family History Department and the Perth and Kinross Archive at the AK Bell Library will be reopening to the public from May 12 on an appointment-only basis.
More information is available on the website at www.culturepk. org.uk/backtolibraries