West Berkshire Libraries to welcome back visitors from 5 December

West Berkshire Libraries will reopen to visitors in limited numbers from Saturday, 5 December.

The reopening of libraries follows confirmation of the post-lockdown restrictions which see West Berkshire placed in the Tier 2 High Alert level. In line with these restrictions, customers will be asked to wear a face mask (unless exempt), maintain social distancing, use hand sanitiser as they enter the library, and provide details for Test and Trace.

Details of all current library opening hours, together with the Mobile Library timetable and closures for the Christmas / New Year period as they are confirmed, can be found on the website: www.westberks.gov.uk/libraries

Customers will be able to choose books and use library computers for up to one hour per day. Printing, scanning and photocopying services will also be available. Visitors will need to bring their library membership card with them in order borrow books or DVDs and to use the computers. Visitors will also need their 4-digit library PIN, which can be reset online if needed.

The ‘At Home’ service delivers books and audiobooks to people who are currently self-isolating or unable to collect books from the library because of age, disability or other special circumstance. More details about this service can be obtained by calling 01635 519827 or emailing library@westberks.gov.uk.

Library members can also enjoy choosing from the extensive collection of free e-books, e-magazines and e-newspapers. There are plenty of e-audiobooks to listen to as well.

The easiest way to borrow titles is via the apps, BorrowBox and Libby, which can be downloaded from the Apple app store and Google Play store. Customers who have a Kindle tablet (such as Kindle Fire), can download the apps from Amazon. Anyone who has these apps can then search for West Berkshire Libraries and login using their library card number and PIN. Customers who need help with this can drop an email to the library, where staff will be happy to help: library@westberks.gov.uk.
Customers who are not already members of the library, can join online to get free, instant access to the e-library. Details can be obtained on: www.westberks.gov.uk/libraries.

Library members can reset their library PIN on the website: https://westberks.spydus.co.uk/pin.