Local Libraries Reopen as Lockdown Eases
Users will be asked not to touch books unless they intend to borrow them
Returned books will be quarantined for 72 hours
Libraries across Hounslow Borough, including Chiswick, Osterley and Brentford, have reopened this week after a prolonged closure during the pandemic
Libraries aim to be Covid-19 safe with visitors urged to avoid touching books unless they intend to borrow them.
All returned books will undergo a 72-hour quarantine before going back on the shelves. There’ll be less human interaction as customers returning books are asked to use the new self-service machines.
Library computers are available and customers should call the library to book their slot or book online. Computers will be cleaned by library staff after each use.
There will also be social distancing, frequent cleaning and a limited number of people in the building at any one time. Visitors will also be required to wear a face covering unless exempt.
Whilst Hounslow libraries have been physically closed there has been a substantial increase in online services. Service users have accessed thousands of online eBooks, eMagazines and eAudiobooks.
Sue Hayter, Assistant Director for Customers, Libraries and Registration at Hounslow Council, said, “We know that Hounslow residents of all ages have relied on books and stories to get them through the months of lockdown. We are delighted to see residents accessing our online services, but understand for some people, this doesn’t substitute being able to browse the shelves.
“There is now an opportunity for the Hounslow community to rediscover the wonderful history libraries can offer, unlock imaginations and inspire new ideas.”
Opening hours are as follows:
• Chiswick Library: Monday 9.30am - 8.00pm, Tuesday 9.30am - 5.30pm, Wednesday 9.30am - 5.30pm, Thursday 9.30am - 8.00pm, Friday 9.30am - 5.30pm Saturday 9.30am - 5.30pm and Sunday closed.
• Osterley Library: Monday 9.30am - 8.00pm, Tuesday 9.30am - 5.30pm, Wednesday closed, Thursday 9.30am - 8.00pm, Friday closed Saturday 9.30am - 5.30pm and Sunday closed.
• Brentford Library opening part of the library as construction continues; the children’s library and the ground floor main library will be open: Monday 9.30am - 8.00pm, Tuesday 9.30am - 5.30pm, Wednesday closed, Thursday 9.30am - 8.00pm, Friday closed, Saturday 9.30am - 5.30pm and Sunday closed.
Isleworth Library remains closed as it is being used as Covid-19 testing site.
To find out more about library services, including online services, visit: www.hounslow.gov.uk/libraries
Like Reading Articles Like This? Help Us Produce More This site remains committed to providing local community news and public interest journalism. Articles such as the one above are integral to what we do. We aim to feature as much as possible on local societies, charities based in the area, fundraising efforts by residents, community-based initiatives and even helping people find missing pets. We’ve always done that and won’t be changing, in fact we’d like to do more. However, the readership that these stories generates is often below that needed to cover the cost of producing them. Our financial resources are limited and the local media environment is intensely competitive so there is a constraint on what we can do. We are therefore asking our readers to consider offering financial support to these efforts. Any money given will help support community and public interest news and the expansion of our coverage in this area. A suggested monthly payment is £8 but we would be grateful for any amount for instance if you think this site offers the equivalent value of a subscription to a daily printed newspaper you may wish to consider £20 per month. If neither of these amounts is suitable for you then contact info@neighbournet.com and we can set up an alternative. All payments are made through a secure web site. One-off donations are also appreciated. Choose The Amount You Wish To Contribute. If you do support us in this way we’d be interested to hear what kind of articles you would like to see more of on the site – send your suggestions to the editor. For businesses we offer the chance to be a corporate sponsor of community content on the site. For £30 plus VAT per month you will be the designated sponsor of at least one article a month with your logo appearing if supplied. If there is a specific community group or initiative you’d like to support we can make sure your sponsorship is featured on related content for a one off payment of £50 plus VAT. All payments are made through a secure web site. |
April 15, 2021
