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Library Announcement

Dear William,

Expansion of Limited Library Services in from 8th March

Somerset Libraries are delighted to confirm that from Monday 8th March, in line with Coronavirus National Lockdown government guidance, limited library services will be available from more Somerset libraries. Opening hours are currently restricted to mornings only and vary depending on the library. Not every library is open every weekday. Detailed opening hours will be available on our website from 8th March and information about libraries not listed in this message will be added once confirmed. The provision of library services at any site may change at short notice.

Monday 8th March: , Burnham, Cheddar, , , , , Priorswood, Somerton, , Street, , Wellington, Wells, , ,

Tuesday 9th March: Dulverton, , , Milborne Port,

Monday 15th March: Bishops Lydeard, Chard, Nether Stowey

Tuesday 23rd March: ,

Can I visit a library during lockdown? Yes, you can visit a library to collect and borrow pre-ordered items, or to use the People's Network computer services for essential purposes.

Please follow our social distancing and hygiene polices - keeping 2 metres distance, wearing face coverings, and using hand sanitiser.

How do I borrow books, audiobooks and DVDs during Lockdown? For specific titles please use the LibrariesWest reservation system via librarieswest.org.uk – charges may apply and you will be notified by email, SMS or letter when your item is available. Reservation supply times are currently longer than usual.

For a collection of up to 10 items per person, hand-picked by library staff, based on topics, genres or authors you request, please complete the Library Choice Service form and wait for library staff to contact you about your selection.

Looking after your wellbeing during lockdown is important. Reading can be a brilliant way to support good mental health and to provide much needed entertainment and diversion for you and your family. We can supply books, audiobooks and DVDs, to assist with practical tasks and self- help (e.g. cooking, crafts, gardening, DIY, health and wellbeing.)

When will I need to return my items? All items on loan, but not overdue, were automatically extended to at least 31st March 2021 and overdue charges are currently paused until 4th May. If your items were overdue before 25th December 2020, you will need to review these via your library account.

Items borrowed during March and April 2021 will be issued to the first week of May so that you do not need to rush back to return them.

You do not need to visit a library to return items at present, but you may do so if you wish.

Remember, all returned items are quarantined for at least 72 hours and remain on your account until the quarantine period is completed. Items are backdated to the date that you returned them.

To check your return dates, access your library account at www.librarieswest.org.uk or use the LibrariesWest app. If you need help logging in, or have any queries about your loans, library staff can assist by email [email protected] or phone 0300 123 2224

How do I use a library computer or print something during Lockdown? To book a free self-help library computer, email [email protected] or phone 0300 123 2224. Not all libraries are able to offer computer services at this time.

Whilst we have limited availability, we ask you to restrict your computer use to essential purposes such as jobseeking, applying for benefits, printing critical documents, or contacting your friends and family. Face coverings must be worn and we will collect your contact details for NHS Test and Trace via QR code or our booking system.

What can I access from home? Library membership gives you access to a huge range of free online content, including 1000’s of e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazines, e-newspapers, e-comics and e-graphic novels – all free of charge. If you are interested in researching your family history, use your library card to get free access to Ancestry.com from home until 31st March 2021. We also have a range of other online resources available to access from home including events and activities online.

Are you missing the company of others? Why not consider our new Reading Friends initiative, which offers you the opportunity to socialise with others from the safety of your home? Our new befriending project brings people together to talk about reading and share stories through phone calls, virtual groups and online forums. Our befriending phone calls will match participants with a member of staff for weekly chats, whilst our virtual groups are informal online get-togethers where you can talk about books or simply just chat. It will also include a specific group for new parents and babies and an online forum for young people aged 14-24 on Discord. For more information, or to take part email [email protected] or call 0300 123 2224.

For regular updates on library opening times and services on offer, visit www.somersetlibraries.co.uk or via social media – see Somerset Libraries UK on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

For general support and further information, please email [email protected] or phone 0300 123 2224

Yours sincerely, stay safe

Sue Crowley Strategic Manager – Somerset Libraries

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