Library changes due to coronavirus

In line with Government advice, libraries in Surrey will continue to offer Click and Collect and computer services under the current lockdown which started on 5 January 2021, allowing customers to use Ready Reads, collect reservations, return items and use PCs for essential purposes only. Please check opening hours before visiting.

Addlestone Library will not be open until Tuesday 6 April 2021 as it is in a shared building that is going to be closed.

Bagshot, Byfleet, Ewell Court, and Tattenhams Community Libraries are closed until further notice.

Lingfield Community Library will open Wednesdays 2pm until 3pm and Saturdays 10am until 11am, allowing people to collect reservations.

Which services are we now offering?

You will have the choice to:

• Use our Click and Collect service, allowing customers to return their items, collect Ready Reads and reserved books at the entrance. However, the public will not be allowed into the buildings to browse and borrow for the time being.
• Use the Public PCs and printing for essential purposes. PCs have to be booked in advance.
• Request books for free in advance using our reservation service and pick them up from your nearest open library.
• Use our new Ready Reads service: tell us what you like to read, our team will handpick books for you, ready to collect from your nearest open library.
• Ask about our Library Direct Home library service if you or someone you know is a vulnerable member of the community.

Which services are paused at this time?

• Bus Passes and Blue Badges.
• Use of study spaces, seating areas and meeting rooms.
• Newspapers.
• Face to face events and Digital Buddy sessions.
• Photocopying.

Which in-branch services are now available online?

• Now available on-line via our Facebook and YouTube channel: Rhymetimes, storytimes and craft activities.
• Look out for our new online events programme.
• Join the library online for free.
• Book a basic IT help session.
• Access a large range of free eBooks, eAudio, eMagazines and eResources.

What should you do with the books and other items you currently have on loan?

Don't worry about returning your books and other items during the lockdown. All items have been renewed indefinitely, and you will be notified when normal systems resume. However, if you do want to return your books, you can still hand them in at the door or put them into the "out of hours" return box. Most libraries have one and they are open 24/7.

Opening hours

Online offer

We have a brilliant online offer at Surrey Libraries with over 30,000 eBooks, eAudio, eMagazines and eComics available to access for free. These can be read online or downloaded using our RB Digital App and Pressreader. We also have a well developed online events offer on our Facebook page with new video events added daily as well as an extensive back catalogue of over 200 videos on our YouTube channel featuring rhymetimes, storytimes, STEM activities, crafts and much more.

Click and collect

The click and collect service allows customers to return their items, collect Ready Reads and reserved books at the entrance.

You can request your books in two ways:

1) Use the library catalogue to request a book and pick it up a branch of your choice. Reservations will remain free for this period. This service is ideal if you want a specific author or title.

2) Use our Ready Reads service, whereby you tell us the type of books you like and our knowledgeable staff will select titles to meet your needs. You can select up to 5 books using this service and can request books for multiple adults and children one form. A good service if you just want a selection of books.

Click and collect libraries are accepting returns so you can return your items when you collect your Ready Reads or reservations or pop them through the "out of hours" return box.

Computer access available for essential purposes

Please note: Computer access will not be available at the following libraries - Bagshot, Bramley, Frimley Green, Lightwater, New Haw, Stoneleigh, Virginia Water and West Byfleet.

Scanning facilities will also be available but only at the following libraries: Camberley, Dorking, Epsom, Godalming, Guildford, Redhill, Staines, Walton, Weybridge and Woking. Time limit of 30 minutes on the scanner PC.

Guidelines for computer usage

During this time, residents who require access to computers in our libraries for essential purposes will be able to do so. This will be on an appointment only basis. To book a slot, residents are asked to call the contact centre 0345 600 9009, choose Option 6, who will connect them to their local library.

We are introducing safety and social distancing measures to be able to offer this service. These include:

• Use the hand sanitiser provided at the library entrance before using PCs.
• You can book in advance: on the website, by phone via the Contact Centre.
• You can book in person in the library. Please ask a member of staff.
• Temporary guest logins will not be available.
• Please collect a clean keyboard and mouse from the counter for your computer session and return it afterwards.
• Limiting the time on the PCs to one hour (speak to staff if you need longer for a government application such as Universal Credit) or 30 minutes for the scanner.
• Limiting the number of PCs in use.
• Only one person per PC (unless you need help).
• Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Printing available - please pay for printing by contactless.
• Reducing the amount of contact needed - staff at the library will not be able to help you, but there is a Digital Assistance helpline available, Telephone: 0300 200 1008
• Regular cleans of the PC screen, chair arms, chair back and chair control lever.
• Please use the PCs considerately and minimise waiting time for other customers.

Safety and social distancing measures

We have comprehensive safety and social distancing measures. These include:

• face coverings - following Government updates, it is mandatory for customers to wear a face covering when visiting the library, so please help to keep each other safe by adhering to this. If you are one of our customers who are exempt from wearing a face covering, we will be very happy to welcome you as normal. For more information please visit: Government Face covering guidance.
• rigorous cleaning in our libraries and hand sanitiser provided at library entrances.
• limiting the number of customers in our libraries at any one time.
• clear signs asking you to observe social distancing.
• protective screens at counters where you need to interact with our staff.
• separating returned items from the rest of the stock for 72 hours in line with Public Health England advice.
• reducing the amount of contact needed. Services which require close contact such as event and activities, use of public PCs and bus passes will be temporarily paused or moved online.
• introducing a new self-issue system giving you the option to borrow items via your smart phone in the libraries that are open.

Keeping everyone safe

We are committed to keep you and our staff safe, so we have a number of measures in place to enable us to operate in COVID secure way.

We are also working with the Community Partnered Libraries to support them and what services they can provide in the next few weeks.

In this section

• Ready Reads