Readers will soon be able to borrow books from five of Croydon’s libraries for the first time since the buildings were closed by coronavirus as the home library delivery service also restarts from Monday 20 July.
New Select & Collect services will allow library members to reserve books and collect them from one of five libraries in specific time slots. Items can be reserved through a phone call, email or online application.
The libraries offering Select & Collect will be:
- Central Library
- Selsdon Library
- Coulsdon Library
- Ashburton Library
- Thornton Heath Library
At the same time the home library delivery service will resume for the 200 registered members who are unable to visit a branch in person.
Other library services including the computer systems will be reintroduced in due course. To make things easier for residents, all current library loans have been extended until Tuesday 1 September.
Croydon residents can join the library for free and during the coronavirus lockdown, there was a surge in membership as more than 1,000 members signed up to access eBooks and eAudiobooks. These digital collections were a lifeline for many, with the number of these items borrowed tripling compared with last year.
The reopening of some libraries for Select and Collect will help residents without digital access, reconnect with their libraries. This includes helping families without access to digital books join in the Summer Reading Challenge 2020. The challenge asks children aged between four and 11 to read six books before mid-September.
This year follows the adventures of the Silly Squad, a team of six fun-loving animals who love to laugh and read books. Young bookworms and parents can register to join in their fun at www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk
Readers can choose an avatar, unlock new characters created by children’s illustrator Laura Ellen Anderson, discover games and upload badges for each book they finish.
“Our library staff went above and beyond during the lockdown helping a thousand new members access hundreds of online eBooks and eAudiobooks as well as providing a befriending service to help isolated residents.
“I know I am not alone in welcoming the return of libraries with the services relaunching to help residents who could not access these digital resources enjoy their libraries and the fantastic range of books and audiobooks they offer. We are introducing services gradually to ensure our libraries are safe for visitors and staff alike.”
Councillor Oliver Lewis, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport
