Tag: libraries

More libraries to reopen from Monday 7 June

Still no date for Muirhouse re-opening

The majority of Edinburgh’s libraries will be open this month as part of a phased plan for reopening essential services in the city.

In total 11 venues will offer a variety of services as they open up from next Monday (7th June).

A number of libraries – Central (including the Children’s Library), Drumbrae, Kirkliston, McDonald Road, Wester Hailes, Stockbridge and Gilmerton – are all currently open. Craigmillar and Fountainbridge are being used as short-term community asymptomatic testing centres but will thereafter return to use as libraries.

The timetable for the phased reopening of further libraries is:

Monday 7 June

  • Currie
  • Piershill
  • South Queensferry
  • Balgreen
  • Colinton

Monday 14 June

  • Morningside
  • Moredun
  • a mobile library at Ratho (contact/collect only)
  • Balerno will be open for contact/collect and bus pass applications support.

Thursday 17 June

  •  Blackhall

Thursday 24 June

  • Portobello

It is hoped that the city’s remaining libraries will reopen again as soon as possible after these dates.

A number of libraries (Leith, Newington, Oxgangs and the library in Gate 55 at Wester Hailes) are temporarily being used as community covid-19 testing centres until at least late Autumn.Other libraries may be needed as short-term asymptomatic testing centres over the coming weeks and months.

To browse and borrow books, use a public computer, apply for a National Entitlement Card (bus pass) or collect hearing aid batteries visits will need to be booked online or by phoning the library direct.

There’s no need to reserve a slot if you’re return your books or picking up Hey Girls sanitary products. Social distancing measures are in place including face coverings being mandatory.

Culture and Communities Convener Cllr Donald Wilson said: “It’s great to see more libraries opening their doors across the city as they are invaluable resources for local communities. Our phased plan means we have been able to reopen them in a measured and cautious way to ensure everyone’s safety.

“Our plans will see a further 11 venues open for a variety of services. Although a number of other libraries are currently covid-19 testing centres I want to assure everyone that they will revert to fully functioning libraries.

“I want to thank all the hard work and efforts from our library and cleaning teams who continue to work tirelessly to get our libraries open and ensure they are safe to use.”

Culture and Communities Vice Convener Cllr Amy McNeese-Mechan said: “I’m delighted that we’re going to see more libraries open next week as we welcome our people back into their local spaces. They are much-loved hubs which bring our communities together and are essential for supporting the wellbeing of our citizens.

“We really appreciate everyone’s support and patience over recent months as we put in place our phased plans and thanks must go to the fantastic work of all the Council staff who have made this possible.

“The measured approach demonstrates our commitment and recognition of the importance of public libraries in this, the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature.”

Key Council services set to reopen

A number of key Council services, including libraries, community centres and galleries, will shortly reopen following the move to Level 3 in Scotland earlier this week.

Plans have been developed to prioritise the reopening of these venues in line with the Scottish Government’s current guidance and route map out of lockdown.

Services resuming include:

  • Three libraries reopening on Monday (3 May) with a further six in the coming weeks (full details below)
  • The City Art Centre will open on 15 May with four free summer exhibitions scheduled
  • Outdoor extra-curricular activities in schools restarted this week
  • Edinburgh Leisure centres are now open for individual exercise, including gyms, swimming pools, indoor court hire, racquet sports and children’s coaching, with outdoor contact sports for 12 to 17-year-olds and community access to high school sports facilities also restarted.

We’re also working closely with Community Centre Management Committees to decide what services are able to operate from the centres and when.

We’ll be following the latest Scottish Government and health guidance to make sure all venues are safe to reopen. Our first priority thus far has been ensuring our schools could reopen safely for our young people and staff but strict cleaning regimes and other measures will be in place to ensure the safety of everyone visiting venues or taking part in activities.

Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Donald Wilson, said: “It’s great to see our first libraries reopening their doors next week with more to follow in May as part of our plans for a gradual reopening of community amenities across the city.

“This phased reopening, which will also see the City Art Centre welcome back visitors, community centres offering essential services like youth work and Edinburgh Leisure venues up and running again, is the first step in our gradual and careful emergence from lockdown.

“Our libraries are invaluable resources for local communities as there’s so much more to a library than just borrowing books. They are trusted and much-loved hub buildings which strengthen local communities and are essential for the wellbeing of our citizens.

“Libraries are a vital requirement in any democratic society, giving access to knowledge and literature, helping to bridge the digital divide and supporting literacy.”

Culture and Communities Vice Convener Cllr Amy McNeese-Mechan said: “We really appreciate everyone’s support and patience as we gradually start to welcome people back into their much-loved local spaces like our libraries, community centres and sports venues. I’m sure everyone will fully appreciate that our top priority remains the health of our citizens and staff.

“I’m particularly delighted that our libraries are able to begin reopening, especially here in the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, but also that the City Art Centre is able to open with four fantastic new – and free – exhibitions for our residents to enjoy as they take their first steps back towards normality.”

Libraries

Central, Drumbrae, and Kirkliston will be open this Monday (3 May) followed by Craigmillar, Fountainbridge, McDonald Road and Stockbridge (10 May). Wester Hailes will reopen on 17 May and Gilmerton on 24 May.

It is hoped that the remaining libraries will open again as soon as possible after these dates.

Residents are reminded that numbers will be limited in the buildings due to the safety measures in place and visits will need to be booked in advance – this can be done online or by phoning the library.

The buildings will be open by appointment for browsing and borrowing books, using computers and the internet, processing bus passes (National Entitlement Cards) or collecting hearing aid batteries. Returning books and picking up free sanitary products will not require a booking.

Social distancing measures will be in place and wearing face coverings is mandatory.

Museums and Galleries

The City Art Centre will open on 15 May with two new exhibitions –Bright Shadows: Scottish Art in the 1920s and Charles H. Mackie: Colour and Light. Two further exhibitions are planned Marine: Ian Hamilton Finlay (22 May) and Islander: The paintings of Donald Smith following a week later. All exhibitions are free.

Plans are being finalised for the reopening of other galleries and museums. Updates regarding reopening dates and measures in place to keep everyone safe will be published as soon as possible.

Community centres

We’re contacting all Community Centre Management Committees this week to provide support in re-establishing essential services such as youth work. As was the case before lockdown, processes are in place to allow them to identify services they want to resume and any support required to do so.

Extracurricular activities (ECA)

Outdoor ECA resumed in schools on 26 April and include activities such as sport, drama, dance music and art.

Indoor ECA aren’t currently permitted under the guidance but we’re considering their resumption alongside the need to maintain the strict cleaning regimes currently operating in our schools as the safety of our pupils and staff remains our priority.

Edinburgh Leisure

Outdoor contact sports for 12–17-year-olds started back on 5 April and community access to high school sports facilities on 19 April. Tennis courts and golf courses have been open since June 2020 with golf, in particular, seeing an upswing in participation (winter golf membership up 400%, year-on-year).

Leisure centres are now open for individual exercise, including gyms, swimming pools, indoor court hire, racquet sports and children’s coaching. It is hoped that outdoor adult contact sport and indoor group exercise can restart on 17 May, with indoor non-contact sport following in early June (as per Scottish Government’s current route map).

Four more libraries welcome back the public

Four more Edinburgh libraries reopened their doors yesterday as part of a phased plan allowing more access to community facilities.

The libraries are Craigmillar, Wester Hailes, Gilmerton and Drumbrae. Their reopening follows on from six libraries that successfully reopened to the public since October – Central, Fountainbridge, Stockbridge, McDonald Road, Newington and Kirkliston.

Members of the public are reminded that numbers are limited in the buildings due to the safety measures in place and they will need to book their visit in advance – this can be done online or by phoning the library.

They will be open to browse and borrow books, use a public computer, apply for a National Entitlement Card (bus pass) or collect hearing aid batteries. Returning books and picking up free sanitary products will not require a booking.

Social distancing measures are in place and wearing face coverings is mandatory.

Culture and Communities Convener Cllr Donald Wilson said: “We’ve had positive feedback from the public about our six libraries re-opening two months ago which is really good to hear.

“Opening four more libraries is the next step in their phased reopening. We have missed them and are working hard to get them back up and running and this is a good step forward. We look forward to opening the rest as soon as possible in the new year.

“Libraries are invaluable resources for all our local communities. A library is not just a place to borrow books but an essential focal hub addressing the digital divide, access to literature and culture and as a point of communication and information.

“We should not underestimate their role in the communities of our city particularly for vulnerable groups. Can I also wish everyone a Merry Christmas but remember at this most difficult of times to stay safe.”

Culture and Communities Vice Convener Amy McNeese-Mechan said: “This year has obviously been really challenging for everyone and we really appreciate everyone’s support and patience as we gradually reopen our libraries as they are a lifeline for many of our citizens.

“The response from the public has been really positive despite services being limited due to current restrictions. This cautious approach demonstrates our commitment and recognition of the importance of public libraries in this, the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature.”

Drumbrae Library Hub to reopen on 14 December

Hello wonderful, beautiful, spectacular library fans!

I know you’ve all been absolutely champing at the bit for the news and I’m sorry to have left you all hanging so long but the stories you’ve heard are absolutely true …

… Drumbrae Library Hub will be re-opening on December 14th! Woooooooo!

Now, before you all get too excited I should let you know that we will be running the same service as the other libraries that are already open which means that you will need to book an appointment to get access in order to browse & borrow, use the PC’s and get your National Entitlement Card.

You can make these bookings through the Library website (or just use this link: https://tinyurl.com/y6nlh8m7).

We will also be running on reduced hours for the moment and I have attached the opening hours in the form of a wee jpeg there (below).

From all of us at Drumbrae Library Hub I would like to thank you for your patience and I cannot properly express how excited we are to welcome you all back (in an orderly and covid safe manner)!

DRUMBRAE LIBRARY HUB

Making a Difference: Libraries, Lockdown and Looking Ahead

We are delighted to share with you Making a Difference: Libraries, Lockdown and Looking Ahead, a report that explores the role of UK public library services during lockdown and beyond.

The report sets out four key messages:

  1. Public library services had a positive impact on those who engaged with them during lockdown.
  2. Public library staff made a valuable contribution to the Covid-19 response.
  3. Public library services and their staff could have delivered much more – but faced barriers in doing so.
  4. Public library services have huge potential to support individuals and communities as they navigate the short, medium and long-term impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Eight action areas are identified that challenge national and local governments, sector support bodies and the sector itself to go further to ensure that everyone in the UK has an equal opportunity to experience the enabling impact of the best public library services.

The report draws on public polling of 2,196 UK adults carried out by Savanta ComRes on behalf of the Carnegie UK Trust, 1,196 responses to a public library staff survey and depth interviews with 22 Heads of Service.

You can access the Making a Difference report series by clicking on the links below:

You can also access the report Libraries in Lockdown, published today by Libraries Connected here.

Best wishes

Sarah Davidson

Chief Executive, Carnegie UK Trust

Twitter: @CarnegieUKTrust

www.carnegieuktrust.org.uk

Stockbridge and McDonald Road among libraries to reopen today

The first phase of reopening Edinburgh’s libraries will see six branches opening today (Tuesday 6 October).

The six branches are:

•  Central Library

•  Kirkliston Library

•  McDonald Road Library

•  Fountainbridge Library

•  Stockbridge Library

•  Newington Library

Initially at least, services will be restricted. As you might expect, numbers within buildings will be limited and social distancing measures will be in place. Face coverings are mandatory in Libraries.

From Tuesday 6 October you can:

  • return your books
  • pick up Hey Girls sanitary products

You will have to book a slot to:

  • browse and borrow books
  • use a public computer
  • apply for a National Entitlement Card (bus pass)
  • collect hearing aid batteries

You can make your booking online here.

Or by phoning one of the six branches above.

Read our reopening frequently asked questions for further details of how services will work in our reopened libraries.

We appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you back!

Culture and Communities Convener Cllr Donald Wilson said: “It’s a really positive step forward that these six libraries are opening to the public ahead of schedule as they are invaluable resources for our local communities.

“This phased reopening, which will also see community access to sports facilities in secondary schools start up again next month, is an important step in our plans for a phased reopening of community assets across the city.

“Libraries are a vital requirement in any democratic society, giving access to knowledge and literature, helping to bridge the digital divide and also centres for strengthening local communities.”

Culture and Communities Vice Convener Cllr Amy McNeese-Mechan said: “We really appreciate everyone’s support and patience as we gradually reopen our libraries, welcoming people back into their local spaces.

“Although services will be limited initially due to current restrictions, with an online booking service for some such as browsing and borrowing, I’m sure everyone will fully appreciate that our top priority remains the health of our residents and library colleagues.

“This cautious approach demonstrates our commitment and recognition of the importance of public libraries in this, the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature.”

Council announces plans for reopening libraries and community centres

The Council will start a three-stage phased plan for the reopening of its libraries and community centres from today, with the second and third stages being subject to committee approval.

The new plans outline that some community centres could open in the coming days to enable groups to get access to the buildings to run community-based services like crisis support and local food banks, followed by the first phase of library openings with committee approval.

All actions will be subject to approval to make sure appropriate health and safety measures are put in place.

A report will be brought to the Policy and Sustainability Committee on Thursday 6 August where, subject to approval, it is hoped stage two will see the first phase of library openings to ensure limited city-wide access and the reopening of specific community centres to support the wider opening of schools and provision of out of school care.

It will consider how the Council balances access to important community facilities with the latest public health guidance and resulting costs from putting in place additional cleaning and other steps required to open in a safe way. 

If approved by committee, the third stage for w/c Monday 14 September will see further libraries and community centres re-open based on latest public health guidance. 

Council Leader Adam Mcvey said: We all appreciate our community centres and libraries and we’re keen to get them open for our communities again, however we’re still in the midst of a global pandemic and need to make sure that any buildings we do open is carried out in a consistent and safe way.

“We have a three-stage approach to the reopening of Libraries and Community Centres prioritising safety and we look forward to announcing more details in the coming weeks.

“It will be great to see libraries open again but it’s also been heartening to see such a positive response to our digital service which has remained in operation throughout lockdown.

“We’ve seen the number of downloads of e-books, e-magazines and e-newspapers continue to increase with over 1.5 million downloads in 2019/20 and in April we saw an increase of 64% (ebooks), 67% (eaudio books) and 118% (emagazines and enewspapers) on the same month last year.

“We hope that this expansion of use of digital services helps more people in our communities continue to access these services going forward.

Council Depute Leader Cammy Day added: As with all our buildings, reopening them during the Covid-19 pandemic requires additional considerations to make sure they are safe for all to use including additional cleaning and reorganising the space.

“Each building has its own specific considerations which means that some buildings will be able to open sooner than others. Right now we are focussed on getting our schools open for the first day of term and a number of other buildings, including community centres, will be a key part of this work. 

“We know how important our services and spaces are to the entire community and, subject to Government guidelines, we will be opening additional buildings over the coming months.

“We appreciate the patience and support from residents while we work to restart our services and we look forward to welcoming them back.”

Community Centres and Libraries to close from tonight

The city council has taken the decision to close all public libraries and community centres by 10pm tonight.

Parts of the City Chambers will also be shut. For library users, there will be no additional fines from Friday 20 March until further notice.

Services including eBooks, audiobooks, magazines and newspapers will be available online. For all the information you need to get started, please visit https://yourlibrary.edinburgh.gov.uk

Advice hubs will be set up in different parts of the city to provide advice and support to citizens. We will share further details as soon as we can.

The planning and building standards helpdesk will be closed until further notice. You can still view and comment on planning applications at https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/planning-building/planning-online-services and email the team at planning@edinburgh.gov.uk

Cancellations:

All our community-based Adult Learning classes have been cancelled until further notice. This includes; ESOL (English for speakers of other languages), Family Learning, Outlook, all Literacy/Numeracy classes including those for deaf learners and English classes for Syrian refugees.

All our Active School extra curricular clubs have been cancelled until further notice.

All organised events due to be hosted in our parks have been cancelled until the end of April.

The Council’s Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee, scheduled for Thursday 19 March at the City Chambers, has been cancelled.

Choices for City Plan drop-in event, scheduled for Thursday 19 March at St Brides Community Centre, has been cancelled.