Swindon Libraries- August 2020 View this email in your browser

Following Government guidelines, we are progressing with our recovery plans as we continue our phased return of services.

It has been lovely to see so many of you over the past few weeks and we have been touched by your kind words and support.  

More services now available

The next phase of reopening our libraries started today. In addition to our Click, Call and Collect service we will be introducing:

Quick Choice service – From today (10 August), you can pre-book an appointment to browse a limited selection of stock at Central Library. The Quick Choice service will be introduced at our other core libraries from 17 August. Slots will be available to book online or by phoning the relevant library. Please note users of this service will be required to supply their personal details for Test and Trace purposes.

Public Use Computers – From 18 August, we will be making a limited number of our public computers available at Central Library. To use the computers you will need to pre book a 45 minute slot. This service will be extended to our other core libraries from 24 August. To book a slot you will need to call the relevant library in advance. Please note users of this service will be required to supply their personal details for Test and Trace purposes.

Library Shop – From 18 August, the Library Shop in Central Library will be offering a Shop, Select and Collect service to purchase items from their range of stock. You will be able to browse stock via the Library Shop social media and blog before emailing askthelibrary@swindon.gov.uk with your order and telephone number.

For more information about the phased reopening of our libraries and our opening times, follow the link.

    How to use Click, Call and Collect and Place Reservations

    One of the new services we currently have is Click, Call and Collect. This allows you to request up to 6 books - tell us your preferred genre and the format you'd like and a member of staff will select something appropriate for you.

    Alternatively if you are looking for a specific book, check our library catalogue and place a free reservation. The look of our catalogue has changed recently so let us show you how to do this.

    Make the Most of our Digital Services

    During lockdown, we built on our already extensive digital offer to ensure residents could continue enjoying library services. These include:

    Webinars for Job Seekers

    During August, the National Careers Service: South West and Oxfordshire region is running a series of free, interactive webinars for job seekers.

    Booking is required.

    Our Library Shop

    Whilst our shop is closed, we have made many of our lovely gifts and books available for you to browse online via our Instagram account, Twitter account, and our shop blog.

    From the 17 August, if you would like to buy something please contact us by email: askthelibrary@swindon.gov.uk with your telephone number and we will call you to take your order.

    You can then collect your purchased items all wrapped up for you and ready to go during Central Library’s opening times.

    Our new summer website

    Have you taken a look at our childrens' summer website yet?  Supporting the Summer Reading Challenge you'll find lots of book suggestions as well as quizzes, activity suggestions and even a 'Read to your Pet Gallery' which can't be missed!

    We've had over 360 children sign up for the digital Summer Reading Challenge so far and there's still lots of time to sign up if you haven't already.  Find out how to register on our summer website.

    Children's Author Events


    Libraries in the South West have come together to create a wonderful programme of online author events throughout the summer.

    Discover more about each event and find out how to book your free ticket under our 'Events' tab.

    Storytime with Mama G

    Storytime with Mama G is a flamboyant forty minutes of fun and laughter from a real pantomime Dame! 

    Mama G will be zooming to you in three virtual events, and will be sharing some funny silly stories for families.

    Discover how to reserve your free ticket under our 'Events' tab.

    Swindon Stories Competition

    Swindon Stories is delighted to invite children to take part in The Wild Way Home activities and competition over the summer, details of which are via our website  and our Facebook page

    Prizes will include a signed bookplate by the author, amongst other delights!

    Please keep an eye out for further announcements and for proof-copy books of The Wild Way Home, hidden around Swindon!

    Last but not least

    We appreciate that life is still very different at the moment. 

    As we work through the changes together, we'd like to thank you for your understanding and compliance in following our guidelines when you visit. 

    Stay safe.

    For the latest news and information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

    Copyright © 2020. Swindon Borough Council. All rights reserved.

    Swindon Borough Council, Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1  2JH

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