Visitors are gradually returning to the borough’s libraries since they re-opened last month with a limited service, in line with COVID-19 government guidelines.
The doors reopened to residents in April at Northolt Leisure Centre Library; Southall Library at the Dominion Centre; and Jubilee Gardens Library, in Southall; as well as the library inside the Everyone Active Acton Centre.
So far, the library with the most visitors has been in Acton with more than 300 people through its doors in the first week of reopening.
From Monday, 17 May, when the next level of government lockdown restrictions are due to be lifted, residents will be able to enjoy a more leisurely browsing experience, for 30 minutes instead of the current 15. More computers will also be available to use and a click and collect service will continue to operate.
The libraries will remain open on a reduced hours basis.
In accordance with government guidelines, visitors will be required to maintain social distancing and wear face coverings as well as adhere to other COVID-19 safety measures.
It is hoped that a full service will be offered in these libraries after 21 June.
The borough’s community managed libraries also opened their doors to the public last month: At West Ealing, Hanwell, Northfields and Perivale.
Some of Ealing’s other libraries are currently being used for COVID-19 asymptomatic testing centres and services will not return to these libraries until at least the end of June. These are: Ealing Central Library, Northolt Library and Greenford Library.
Asymptomatic COVID testing was briefly suspended to allow for the elections taking place on Thursday, 6 May at:
• Everyone Active Acton, High Street, W3 6NE
• Greenford Library, 23 Oldfield Lane South, UB6 9LG
• Northolt Library, Church Road, UB5 5AS
Testing will resume at these three sites on Saturday (8 May). You can still book a test at any of the other testing sites in the borough up until 8 May.
It is planned that the Everyone Active Acton Centre will continue to provide testing as well as a reduced library service.
More information and library opening hours is available on the council’s website.
