Libraries phased reopening
Following Government guidance libraries are now able to reopen.
The normal range of activities will not be possible at this stage of reopening and customers visiting the library may find they need to wait outside to be assisted by staff.
The following libraries are open with reduced opening hours:
Unfortunately, due to the current closure of the Corby Cube, we are unable to re-open Corby Library as planned. However, a select and collect lending service is now available and customers will also be able to return books. Both these services are available on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am - 4pm by appointment only. For more information and to book an appointment slot please email corlib@firstforwellbeing.co.uk.
Please note that although normal overdue charges are being reintroduced across our libraries from Monday 12 October, this will not apply to items borrowed from Corby Library.
The closure of the building is being regularly reviewed by Corby Borough Council and we hope to be able to re-open the library soon.
Face coverings and track and trace requirements
The Government has extended the policy on the mandatory wearing of face coverings in public places in England to include public libraries. They are to be worn by all visitors, except for those who have an age, health or disability reason for not wearing a face covering.
it is also mandatory for library staff to ask customers to leave their details when entering library buildings for computer use and booked browsing. Customers who have downloaded the NHS Test and Trace app can scan the QR code provided on posters that are on display near library entrances.
Services available
Due to the necessity for safe ways of working, including rigorous cleaning regimes and the management of staff timetabling, library services will initially be restricted to:
Library items must be pre-ordered in advance, to be collected at an agreed timeslot. Items can be ordered in three ways:
- Ring 0300 126 1000
- Email the library
- Pick up a form from the library
Please note to help us work safely and manage our stock levels, a maximum of 5 library items per borrower can be requested for collection. Books can be requested by genre and preferred author but we cannot guarantee the availability of individual titles.
In line with guidance from Public Health England we recommend that items are quarantined for 72 hours from the date they have been collected.
If you are a library member you can search on the library catalogue and reserve up to five items; there is no charge for making a reservation.
Reserved items can be collected from any of the following libraries:
- Brackley
- Brixworth
- Daventry
- Desborough
- Duston
- Hunsbury
- Irthlingborough
- Kettering
- Northampton Central
- Oundle
- Roade
- Rothwell
- Rushden
- Towcester
- Wellingborough
- Weston Favell
In line with guidance from Public Health England we recommend that items are quarantined for 72 hours from the date they have been collected.
For more information and to reserve items please go to our select and collect webpage.
Due to COVID-19 we are not charging for computer use and 10 printouts are free per day. However, from Monday 5 October normal charges will apply. There will still be free access to websites included in the Good Web Guide. Information on charges can be found on our Computers, Internet and Wi-fi webpage.
Pre-booking is required for 45 minute slots. To book:
- Ring 0300 126 1000
- Speak to a member of staff at an open library
An enquiry, information and signposting service is available. Speak to the library staff when you arrive at the library.
All open libraries are accepting book returns during their opening hours, no appointment is necessary for this.
Normal charges for overdue items will apply, with the exception of items borrowed from Corby Library, while the Library remains closed. For more information on charges please go to our Fees and charges webpage.
Books can be renewed online. They can also be renewed by telephone 0300 126 1000, or in-person at a library.
A limited browsing service is available, where customers can browse and select their own stock using the self-service system.
In order to do this safely entry is controlled, with browsing time limited and available through bookable sessions. Walk-in is also allowed, but only if there are no booked appointments at that time.
For further information and to book a time slot, please email the Library.
Services not currently available
The following will not be available:
- Meeting room bookings
- In-library events
- Public toilets
- Blue Badge applications and renewals
Community managed libraries
The community managed libraries are being fully supported by the county council and are being encouraged to reopen at their own pace. For further information please email your local community managed library.