Request & Collect service to be launched at libraries in Buckinghamshire

A new Request & Collect service is to be launched in Buckinghamshire libraries from Monday 22nd June 2020.

From Monday 22nd June 2020, Buckinghamshire residents will be able to return borrowed books to most libraries as well as borrowing books in a safe and contactless way using an new Request & Collect service.

All books that are returned will be ‘quarantined’ by library staff in line with public health guidelines, before returning them to shelves.

Customers won’t need to worry about incurring late fines as all library loans have been automatically extended until Friday 31st July 2020.

Further information on when each library will be able to take in returns can be found on the Buckinghamshire Council website at www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/libraries/information-about-local-library.

In addition to returns being allowed, a new Request & Collect service will enable customers to borrow physical books again for the first time since late March 2020.

Starting on Monday 22nd June 2020, an online form will enable customers to tell the library service which type of books they would like, how many, and from which library they want to collect them. For those with no internet access, requests can also be placed over the phone on 01296 382415.

Once a request has been placed, staff at libraries will hand pick a selection of books to match each customer and will phone to arrange a date and time to collect them. To ensure safety and social distancing, the books will be issued and placed near the library entrance for collection. Although libraries can’t guarantee to find particular titles they hope to introduce customers to new books and authors.

Further information on the Request & Collect service can be found at https://buckinghamshire.spydus.co.uk.

Councillor Gareth Williams, Cabinet Member for Communities & Public Health at Buckinghamshire Council, said: ‘While we work on plans to fully reopen our libraries from Monday 6 July (in line with government guidance), I’m pleased that we’re now able to accept book returns from customers. I’m also happy to see the launch of our new Request & Collect service, which will allow our customers to begin borrowing physical books again for the first time in three months.

I would also like to remind customers that our eLibrary remains available, and we continue to add new eBooks, eAudiobooks, digital newspapers and magazines.‘

Further information on Buckinghamshire Council’s library service can be found on the Buckinghamshire Council website at www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/libraries.

*Source of article : Press release from Buckinghamshire Council.