Haddenham Community Library is back in business and once again open to the public
To start with we will be opening on Tuesdays and Fridays only between 10.00am and 1.00pm. We have installed safety measures in the library for the benefit and security of the staff and public and the building has been deep cleaned prior to our re-opening.
As you would expect social distancing is required in the library and we have removed furniture and shelving so that customers can move around comfortably. The number of people allowed in the library at any one time is limited so you may be asked to queue outside for a short time. Our staff will be wearing face protection and there are protective screens on the counter.
If you are just returning books or other borrowed items then you can leave them in the blue boxes in the porch. We will quarantine and then process the books for you. Simple!
If you want to borrow books then please sanitise yours hands and come into the library where there is open shelf browsing. You might think our shelves look a bit bare but we have a lot of books out on loan to process. We have also taken the opportunity during lockdown to weed out the tatty and rarely borrowed books and intend to buy some great new books, so just watch those shelves!
Though the children's library area is closed they won't miss out as their picture and board books have been bagged up and are ready to grab and go! Also selection of children's reading and story books have been relocated for open browsing in the main section of the library .We plan to take this opportunity to review our stock and buy lots of new books!
Our seating and study areas have had to be removed and magazines and newspapers are no longer available. Neither do we have public Wi-Fi.
We can offer limited use of one public computer and cleaning materials will be given to users to keep this equipment sanitised. However scanning, printing and photocopying facilities are no longer available.
Sadly all our usual library events and activities have had to be suspended and we will not be selling cards, reading glasses or withdrawn books.
We will not be able to accept any book donations or display posters or leaflets for local organisations and events. But the Council Access Point telephone offering a free direct line to Buckinghamshire Council Customers Services is available.
Hope this doesn't sound too glum.
We will continue to review these measures and our opening hours and hope to be able to reintroduce more facilities and services in the future.
This is a new experience for all British libraries whether county run or community based and we will learn together what works and what we can do differently. We are relieved and very happy to welcome you back into the library and look forward to seeing and hearing from you as we learn to work in this new environment.
