Coronavirus (COVID-19): Council libraries open with limited services
Contents
- Overview
- Face coverings
- Return and collect pre-ordered books
- Use a library computer (book a slot)
- Browse selected shelves (book a slot)
- Changes to protect staff and visitors
- Renew books
- Online library services and educational resources
Overview
Council-owned libraries are open with limited services. Check each library page for opening times:
At the moment you can:
- return and collect pre-ordered books (drop off and collection is at the front doors of the libraries)
- use a computer (you need to book a slot)
- browse selected shelves (you need to book a slot)
Toilets are open for library users only. Cafes are available for library / centre users only. No other facilities are available.
Community libraries:
- Boldon and Cleadon Community Library is open with limited services
- Whitburn Community Library is open with limited services and new opening times
- Boldon Lane and Perth Green community libraries are are working on reopening plans but no dates have been confirmed
Face coverings
Face coverings are mandatory in libraries, with some exceptions. For full details see government guidance on face coverings.
Return and collect pre-ordered books
The drop off and collection area is at the front door of the library.
To collect books, you must pre-order over the phone. We will give you an appointment time to collect your books.
To pre-order, phone the library you want to collect books from:
- The Word - 0191 427 1818
- Hebburn Central Library - 0191 424 7831
- Jarrow Focus Library - 0191 489 7786
- Cleadon Park library - 0191 424 6194
You can take out a maximum of 12 books at one time.
Use a library computer (book a slot)
The ground floors of libraries are open for people to use the computers.
To use a computer, you need to book a slot.
Slots are available for:
- 50 minutes between 10am and 1pm
- up to 1 hour 50 minutes after 1pm and on weekends
To book a slot, contact the library you would like to visit:
- The Word - 0191 427 1818
- Hebburn Central Library - 0191 424 7831
- Jarrow Focus Library - 0191 489 7786
- Cleadon Park library - 0191 424 6194
The last slots can be booked 45 minutes before closing.
Toilets are open for library users only.
Strict social distancing rules will be observed.
Browse selected shelves (book a slot)
Browsing time is limited and there is nowhere to sit and read.
To browse books, you must book a slot.
To book a slot, contact the library you would like to visit:
- The Word - 0191 427 1818
- Hebburn Central Library - 0191 424 7831
- Jarrow Focus Library - 0191 489 7786
- Cleadon Park library - 0191 424 6194
The last slots can be booked 45 minutes before closing.
All shelves will be emptied and cleaned at the end of each day.
Other restrictions will still be in place including access to ground floors only.
Social distancing rules will be observed.
Changes to protect staff and visitors
All libraries will operate in a different way over the coming weeks:
- Strict limit of no more than 10 customers every half an hour
- Limited services - all services will be accessed by a manned reception and on an appointment basis only
- Measures will be put in place to make sure libraries are covid secure
- Strict social distancing rules
- All books will be quarantined for 72 hours when they are returned
Renew books
To renew your book over the phone, contact The Word Library on 0191 427 1818.
You can also renew online.
Online library services and educational resources
You can still use the range of online services available. Find out more about our eBooks, eAudiobooks and online magazines.
If you are not a South Tyneside library member, you can join the library online.
Some libraries in the UK are providing online services like live rhyme time sessions and online story times.
Read about online educational resources.