VISITORS to Leicester’s libraries will still be able to borrow their favourite books during lockdown thanks to an order and collect service which is being introduced.
Leicester’s libraries closed on Thursday, November 5, in line with national government coronavirus lockdown legislation, but will instead be running a service for people to order books online and collect them from one of nine libraries across the city.
The service will start on Monday, November 9, and will continue until the Government gives permission for libraries to reopen. It is being done to ensure people can continue to access books despite not being able to browse the library in person.
Customers will be able to order a selection of books by contacting a library, or via the city council’s website at www.leicester.gov.uk/libraries
Library staff can make a selection of books based on a customer’s preferences, or can reserve specific titles.
Books can be ordered and collected from one of the following Leicester Libraries from Monday – Thursday, from 10am to 4pm:
- Beaumont Leys Library: 0116 299 5460, Beaumont Way, LE4 1DS
- Belgrave Library: 0116 299 5500, Cossington Street, LE4 6JD
- Evington Library: 0116 221 1286, 200 Evington Lane, LE5 6DH
- Hamilton Library: 0116 221 2790, 20 Maidenwell Avenue, LE5 1BL
- Highfields Library: 0116 2995494, 98 Melbourne Road, LE2 0DS
- Pork Pie Library: 0116 299 5480, Southfields Drive (Pork Pie Island), LE2 6QS
- Knighton Library: 0116 299 5477, 167-9 Clarendon Park Road, LE2 3AJ
- St Barnabas Library: 0116 299 5450, French Road, LE5 4AH
- Westcotes Library: 0116 299 5510, 38-40 Narborough Road, LE3 0BQ
In addition, the library service also has a huge online collection of e-books, e-audiobooks, e-comics and e-magazines for all ages, as well as online access to services including the Ancestry Libraries Edition, for those wanting to research their family history.
Services for children include weekly storytelling sessions, with for two new stories for children every week on the libraries’ YouTube channel.
The Home Library Service will also continue to work with local volunteers to deliver books to housebound customers during the lockdown. Anyone wanting to use this service can contact the Home Library Service team on 0116 299 5465.
Leicester assistant city mayor for neighbourhoods, Cllr Kirk Master, said: “Libraries are a fantastic resource for learning, staying connected and exploring new worlds through reading, and that’s more important than ever as we head into another period of spending a large amount of time at home.
“The order and collect service will ensure people can still access books alongside the other online resources we have available, such as electronic books, audiobooks, e-magazines and comics.
“Making sure people can still access those resources is key in supporting people’s learning, emotional wellbeing and helping keep mentally active during these challenging times.”
For more information on all Leicester libraries’ services, visit: www.leicester.gov.uk/libraries
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