YORK libraries will stay open for essential services in Lockdown 2, when the Explore York Libraries and Archives services will include free PC and internet access and click-and-collect books.
In a statement released today, Explore York said: “Explore’s libraries are an essential service for the people of York. They are essential for keeping people connected through free access to PCs and the internet.
“And they provide essential and significant support for everyone’s health and wellbeing too with free books, newspapers and online events to keep people of all ages entertained and informed during these challenging times.
“Therefore, Explore’s chief executive, Fiona Williams, is happy to confirm that she will be keeping some libraries open during the second national lockdown starting on November 5.”
Explore centres at York, Tang Hall and Acomb will be open from Tuesday to Saturday, starting from November 10, for pre-booked appointments with access to PCs and printers and pre-ordered books for collection. Explore’s cafes at Rowntree Park and Hungate will be open for takeaway service only.
All books due back during lockdown will be renewed automatically; likewise that will apply to all items on loan, so you do not have to worry about overdue charges.
To join the library online, visit https://www.exploreyork.org.uk/getting-a-library-card-or-yorkcard/ or send an email to contact@exploreyork.org.uk
All libraries will be closed from November 5 to 10 to prepare for the changes.
The full story brought to book:
Libraries open: Explore centres at Acomb, Tang Hall and York will be open for appointments only from Tuesday, November 10. All other libraries are closed. Be aware, there will be no drop-in or browsing at any library.
Opening hours at Acomb, Tang Hall and York will be Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm. Books can be pre-ordered for collection from Acomb, Tang Hall and York libraries.
You can reserve books from the Explore catalogue as usual and the library will contact you when they are ready to collect.
Or you can choose a Lucky Dip: complete the form for children or the form for adults and Explore will pick some books based on your preferences.
Computers and printing will be available at Acomb, Tang Hall and York libraries. Bookings will be for one hour only and must be made in advance, either online or by phone to the library you want to use.
Events:
Explore has a full programme of online live events and activities planned for November to keep adults and children entertained and informed
E-library:
Books, audiobooks, newspapers and magazines are all free to borrow and available 24/7.
Library at Home:
Explore has gathered together a treasury of online links and information for children and families about reading, culture and creativity and archives and local history and to support health and wellbeing.
The Enquiries service will be operating as normal during office hours.
Home Library:
A doorstep delivery service will continue for vulnerable and housebound Home Library Service customers.
The Toy Library will be suspended during the lockdown period.
Archives:
The Archives Reading Room will be closed from November 5 in line with archives services nationally.
Reading Cafes:
The reading cafes at Rowntree Park and Hungate will be open during the lockdown, operating a takeaway service. Reading cafes at York, Acomb and Tang Hall will be closed.
All these changes will be operational from November 5.