All Wiltshire libraries temporarily closed on 20 March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, library services have been provided online with rhymetimes, author talks and access to eBooks, eAudio and eMagazines all part of this offer. The Home Library Service has also been delivering books and audio books to the homes of our most vulnerable customers.

To ensure the safety of the public, staff and volunteers, the look and feel of the service provided will not be the same as before COVID-19. Social distancing and infection control measures for the staff and public mean some libraries will remain closed for the foreseeable future and others will not be able to deliver the full range of services or facilities that they did previously. 

A 4-week consultation began on 29 June and offers options for reopening including an order and collect service from the entrance of the library, this same service with bookable computer sessions for those without internet access and a limited over the threshold service to browse stock and book a computer. The option chosen will run for 6 months and be reviewed monthly to ensure the service is effective and reflects any changes in social distancing.

We would like your views and ideas on how we reopen our libraries safely during the COVID-19 pandemic so that we can shape a service that suits you during this time.

Further details on the consultation can be found here http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/libraries-news