Published 26th May 2021
We are delighted to announce that Nottinghamshire County Libraries have reopened in line with government guidelines. Customers are able to visit us to browse, borrow, return and reserve, with advance booking required to use PCs, study space and to visit Nottinghamshire Archives to view archival documents. Until 1 July 2021, we are offering an overdue charges amnesty where we will invite customers to return library books and we'll waive charges due. Read our article with full details of the amnesty.
Library availability
The reopening plan will allow customers to access the majority of Nottinghamshire Libraries and Archives as part of Step 2 of the Government Roadmap. Customers are advised to check opening hours before they visit, as some libraries are unable to reopen at this time and times may be subject to change. We are delighted to be able to able to welcome customers back to Worksop Library for the first time since November 2019 following flood damage refurbishment. The Education Library Service has also welcomed visitors back as of 12 April.
Unfortunately we cannot welcome customers back to the following libraries just yet:
- We are
working with our community partners in Annesley
to reopen as soon as possible.
- Dukeries is open in the afternoon only. Edgewood, is also school based and remains closed until they can reopen safely.
Services and safety
Following the first national lockdown last year, Inspire staff reviewed the service offer and made necessary changes to welcome visitors within government guidelines. These measures remain in place to keep staff and customers safe until guidance allows or all restrictions are lifted.
With the priority on staff and customer safety, we will operate a reduced service, limited capacity in buildings, additional cleaning measures and guidelines in place for social distancing. Following advice from public health England, quarantining of books is no longer required.
As restrictions begin to lift, we’ll be reinstating some of your favourite activities in libraries over the next few weeks; please keep an eye on our website and social media channels for updates. There will continue to be no access to toilets and refreshment areas. Customers may visit us alone, or with members of their own household or support bubble. Face coverings continue to mandatory, unless exempt, including if seated at a computer. Customers will be able to:
- Browse and borrow books and other items or use the Click & Collect service by appointment.
- Return books and enjoy no overdue charges until 1 July, so there is no need to renew at this time. Read about our overdue charges amnesty.
- Collect reservations once notified. This may take a few days after reopening, so please bear with us while we locate items.
- Access computers (advance booking is advised) and use printers, scanners and photocopiers with the correct change, where contactless payment is not available.
- Limited study space is available in selected libraries. Check which libraries can offer this and enquire in the library to book.
- Visit Archives by appointment only to view and photograph pre-ordered original archives. Other services such as reprographics, research, the Inspire Picture Archive and the online archive catalogue can be accessed at inspireculture.org.uk/archives.
Social media (Facebook / Twitter), @nottslibraries and our service information page at inspireculture.org.uk/servicedisruption will be updated with the latest information. Inspire Online will also continue to enable customers to enjoy culture, learning and libraries from home.
Ask Inspire can be contacted on 01623 677 200 or ask@inspireculture.org.uk, or to contact Nottinghamshire Archives and book an appointment archives@inspireculture.org.uk.
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