Libraries Unlimited, which run the county’s 50 libraries, had on Wednesday said that it was committed to keeping as many of its libraries open as long as there is no government guidance to do otherwise.
In a statement on its website and inside some of its libraries, the charity says that library services are considered essential and a vital service to people who may be isolated or vulnerable, as well as a key provider of information in a difficult time.
Group social activities, such as Bounce and Rhyme, had been considered as non-essential and as a result had been paused indefinitely.
Libraries were due to remain open unless they are in a building that has been closed, they are told to close by Government, or staff shortages mean that they are unable to open the library.
But on Thursday lunchtime, the charity announced that to keep staff, volunteers and customers safe and healthy, they had taken the decision to close its physical sites in Devon and Torbay from the end of Friday, March 20, and suspend its public events.
Plans are being worked on though that would enable a selection of libraries to be open for up to two hours each morning for customers to use the library via the self-service kiosk.
A statement released on Wednesday added: “We will suspend our Devon mobile library service in line with our physical building closures.
“Our Home Library Service in Devon and Torbay will be suspended from the end of Thursday, March 19, and during this service closure we are encouraging our volunteers to phone our readers regularly to have a social chat and to check in.
“We would ask customers to prepare during these final opening hours by borrowing any books and DVDs you may require, return any items you need to return and to make use of our IT services. Loans will automatically be issued for three months and this change will be actioned through to June.
“We request that customers respect the social distancing guidelines and give our staff suitable space whilst they are serving our community. Please also adhere to the handwashing and respiratory guidance. For libraries with self-service facilities please, where possible, use these facilities to reduce the social interaction for our staff and volunteers.
“Over the coming weeks we will continue to offer as many online services as we possibly can so that our libraries remain open to everyone, wherever you are in Devon and Torbay.
“We will be working hard to maintain this access during these unprecedented times and will be developing new offerings to help support our local communities.
“We are developing plans for a selection of our libraries to be open for up to two hours each morning for customers to use the library via the self-service kiosks. These sessions will be unstaffed whilst staff are on-site in an area away from the general public. These plans are being formulated and we will issue an update as soon as we can.
“You can continue to view and explore our catalogues and resources online. We have eBooks, audiobooks, eMagazines that you can access for free using your library card and we have plenty on offer particularly if you are needing to keep busy at this time.”
A Libraries Unlimited statement on its website had said: “The health and wellbeing of our volunteers is important to us so the decision is to pause these sessions.
“We are working closely with our Board of Trustees, Commissioners and Senior Management Team to manage the risks of running of our library services and activities during this widespread outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19).
“We believe libraries are a vital service to many people who may be isolated or vulnerable, as well as a key provider of information in a difficult time, so we are committed to staying open as long as there is no government guidance to do otherwise.
“Following up-to-date government advice and with ongoing reviews of the situation, our plans are evolving and please bear with us during this unprecedented time.
“Other than those listed, all libraries are still open at present, and you can borrow and return your books at local libraries and use their computers with your library card. Remember you can borrow free eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines from Overdrive, RBdigital and BorrowBox. Please visit your library website to find out more.
“We do hope you can visit the library during our general opening hours or alternatively you can access a wide range of our services online such as borrowing audiobooks, ebooks, eMagazines by visiting the Library Catalogue.”
But on Thursday lunchtime, Libraries Unlimited took the decision to close all libraries from Friday evening onwards.
The trustees added: “In the meantime, we will keep you posted on any changes and let you know as soon as our buildings can reopen and our mobile libraries service and home library service resume.”
Daniel Clark
Local Democracy Reporting Service
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