The Town Library will partially reopen from Friday 12 June, as the Island moves into Phase 2 of the Safe Exit Framework. During this first phase of reopening, the Town Library will be open between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Saturday.
To keep library users safe, new physical distancing and hygiene measures have been introduced, including:
- Visitors will be asked to use hand sanitiser when they enter the building, and keep their visits timely
- People will be asked to visit the Library alone where possible and avoid gathering in large groups
- Limits on the number of people allowed in the building at any one time
- New queuing systems to maintain physical distancing
- All returned books and other resources will be quarantined for 72 hours – this means some titles are not immediately available to borrow
Alongside this reopening, Jersey Library will continue with the services which have been introduced in the last 12 weeks, including a daily Facebook storytime, a home delivery service, and popular online resources. The amnesty on fines – which was introduced early in March – will also continue, to support people who may not be able to return items to the Library.
During the first phase of reopening, there will be no access to the first floor for study, research, and computer use. The public toilet and baby change facilities will also remain closed.
The Les Quennevais Branch Library and Mobile Library will remain closed to the public. Both closures will be reviewed as the Island continues to move through the Safe Exit Framework, and re-opened when it is safe and practical to do so.
Ed Jewell, Chief Librarian, said, “Friday 12 June marks a first step back to normality for Jersey Library. While it’s not yet possible to re-open the full range of the Library’s activities and services, we can set its collection of 250,000 books, audio books, DVDs and other resources free for the general public to use.
“While we work through the stages of the Safe Exit Framework, the Library team will continue to find new, creative, and safe ways, to make reading, learning and information accessible to the Island’s communities.”
Government of Jersey News Release.