25/09/2020 - Permalink

Shropshire Libraries looking to extend opening hours across the county

Related topics: Coronavirus / Leisure, culture and heritage

Shropshire Libraries now has all 21 libraries open. We know how much your libraries mean to you and the communities we serve. That is why, following national guidance, we have been taking a phased approach to reopening, to ensure the safety of everyone who visits us, with reduced opening times and social distancing arrangements in place.

Hundreds of people have made use of our ‘click and collect’ and e-library services, but we know that many more have missed visiting their local library. We are now looking to extend these opening times to give our customers more time to browse, use our computers and allow families to visit after school. To coincide with National Libraries Week from Monday 5 October 2020 we will begin the next phase in opening hours.

Details of opening arrangements for all libraries are available at https://shropshire.gov.uk/libraries/find-a-library/

We will also be celebrating our much-loved libraries and their vital role in Shropshire’s culture. As part of National Libraries Week will be promoting #LibrariesFromHome with local librarians posting stories on YouTube, including one by local author Kate Innes who recorded a short story called “None the Worse”.

World-famous pianist Julian Gargiulo is to hold a virtual masterclass exclusively for Shropshire Libraries. He is noted for his witty introductions to pieces and mixes stand-up with sit-down play. He will be leading the free session for an hour online on Friday 9 October from 10.30am: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/virtual-masterclass-with-world-famous-pianist-julian-gargiulo-tickets-122379661863

Lezley Picton, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture, leisure, waste and communications, said:

“I would like to reiterate my thanks for the support you have given us as we extend the opening hours of your libraries.

“National Libraries Week is a celebration that showcases our reading offer and the contribution that we make towards building a reading community and providing access to a wide range of literature to all.

“We know that you value your library by the large numbers that have visited us and the number of items that have been borrowed in branches and online. We look forward to supporting our communities as we use Government guidance to safely return your services.”