Across the borough, libraries are set to reopen after their closure due to COVID-19 restrictions.
From 17 August 2020 Ealing Central Library will welcome back visitors, with other local libraries reopening in the coming weeks.
While work is underway to re-open all of Ealing’s libraries, please remember that an Ealing Library Card gives you access to all libraries across the borough. This means that anyone can use Ealing Central Library to return books and any other items borrowed from any other library in the borough.
Libraries will look and feel significantly different as they reopen with new measures introduced to allow services to be run safely in accordance with the government’s rules on keeping people safe from the risks posed by COVID-19.
Services will be limited for the time being to returning items and using the click and collect service. It is not currently possible to browse the books, use the library computers, access newspapers and magazines or use the children’s library. If you do want to visit the library, please remember that a face covering will have to be worn to be allowed entry.
There are still plenty of online resources which are available to residents who are library members, including our digital library which has e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines and e-newspapers, all for free.
The safety of our residents and staff is paramount, consequently the phased reopening of Ealing’s libraries has been slightly delayed while all risk assessments were carried out. Social-distancing measures will be in place, including queuing, a one-way system and a one-in-one-out policy.
Councillor Jasbir Anand, cabinet member for business and community service said: “Our libraries are a vital part of community life here in the borough and I am delighted that we are now in a position to start to reopen them in a phased approach, starting this month with Ealing Central.
“Obviously the look and feel of libraries will be significantly different to what visitors may have been used to before the COVID-19 pandemic. There are measures in place allow residents to social-distance in line with government rules and I urge anyone visiting to act responsibly and carefully at all times.
“Ealing Central Library is reopening first and all library users in the borough will be able to access services here until other libraries are in a position to welcome back users. Our libraries are a network so even if you do not normally use Ealing Central, there will be services available to you as a resident of the borough.”
Visit the online library pages for details of e-resources and information on how to become a library member, if you are not already. You can also keep up to date with library information by following Ealing Libraries on Twitter and Facebook.
