Article Source: Renfrewshire Libraries
Last Updated: 13 July 2020 15:14
All 12 of the libraries operated by the charity will be open for returns and for borrowing on a click and collect basis, as part of measures being put in place to ensure the safety of staff and library users. Books can be reserved online at www.renfrewshirelibraries.co.uk or by telephone on 0300 300 1188. Access to buildings will be on a one in, one out basis. Each one will have a simple drop-off point for returns.
On top of this, staff will continue with the Libraries Direct service they have been operating throughout lockdown. This has seen them work with volunteers and Renfrewshire Council to deliver books and make wellbeing phone calls to people who have been shielding in their homes throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
They will also carry on developing the innovative work carried out online during lockdown. This has included storytimes and Bookbug sessions, code clubs, live streaming quizzes and activities, book reviews, shared reading groups and writing workshops, and children’s Summer Reading Challenge.
Since March 2020, online registration for library membership has increased by more than 300% and there has been a significant increase in use of the online ebook and emagazine loans, which are up by 82%.
Victoria Hollows, Chief Executive of Renfrewshire Leisure, said: “The safe and gradual reopening of our libraries is another important step in the recovery from coronavirus, not just for Renfrewshire Leisure but for our communities.
“Our staff are working extremely hard to deliver the best service to our library members. Their work whilst facilities have been closed has been exemplary. We will be continuing to develop our online offering alongside the physical services in our buildings to ensure as many people as possible people can benefit from our library services at this time.”
Opening arrangements for each library will be available at www.renfrewshireleisure.com. As well as the click and collect service, people will be able to phone library staff for recommendations and will contact them when their book is ready to collect. Computers in the libraries are not yet available for public use.
Social distancing and hygiene requirements will be clearly displayed at each building. A training programme is underway to ensure all staff are trained on the additional safety measures ahead of the reopening.
Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, Chair of Renfrewshire Leisure, said: “I am delighted that we are now able to offer book lending again at all of our libraries. By working with our customers to ensure all public health measures are followed, we are sure this will be a welcome, safe and enjoyable development.
“We know how much our libraries are valued and look forward to welcoming customers back, albeit in a slightly different way to that in which they are used to.”
Renfrewshire Leisure’s libraries are at: Bishopton; Bridge of Weir; Erskine; Ferguslie; Foxbar; Glenburn; Johnstone; Lochwinnoch; Linwood; Paisley Central Library; Ralston and Renfrew.
Renfrewshire Leisure continues to await further guidance from the Scottish Government on the reopening of leisure services.
Children attending Dobbies Little Seedlings Club will get the chance to travel back hundreds of millions of years to learn about prehistoric plants and talk about their favourite dinosaurs!
READ MOREThousands of people across Renfrewshire have benefitted from Winter Connections running for a third year.
READ MOREPubLife, a UK-wide summer celebration of the '90s will take place in over 500 pubs, including 7 in Scotland.
READ MOREThis summer, as school holidays get underway, families are invited to enjoy a day out at Scone Palace with their Kids Go Free promotion.
READ MOREThe inaugural Scone Palace International Horse Trials will take place from 21st–24th August 2025 in the stunning grounds of Scone Palace and Perth Racecourse.
READ MOREA magnificent collection of artworks has been donated to Renfrewshire's civic collection by Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, in memory of her late husband, John Shaw.
READ MOREThe new free summer activities programme for Renfrewshire children, young people and families is now available.
READ MOREScotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow on Sunday 5th October and they want everyone to 'Be Your Greatest'.
READ MOREThousands turned out to enjoy a day of fantastic live entertainment at Paisley's annual Sma' Shot Day celebrations on Saturday!
READ MOREBTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom comes to Vue.
READ MOREComedian, actor, singer and presenter is latest big name to announce date at venue.
READ MOREScotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.
READ MOREAhoy there mateys! The Pirates of Paisley is this year's must visit FREE summer brick adventure!
READ MOREMuch loved reading programme, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Renfrewshire, celebrated becoming permanent with bell chimes.
READ MOREThis summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.
READ MOREThousands turned out to celebrate summer at Barshaw Park on Saturday for Barshaw Gala Day.
READ MORESummerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!
READ MOREFancy grabbing a free reusable takeaway cup and then getting a discount on your next drink from some of our local cafes?
READ MORETwo major community sports projects in Renfrewshire are set to benefit from a significant funding boost.
READ MOREThe biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORECheck out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!
READ MOREPupils from Auchenlodment Primary School in Johnstone gave their refurbished play park a big thumbs up after it underwent a major upgrade earlier this year.
READ MOREHistoric Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.
READ MOREAfter their first event in March, Clash of the Clans, Clan Wrestling makes its return to Braehead Arena on Saturday 6th September for its second event!
READ MOREThe Armed Forces Day flag will be raised outside Renfrewshire House on Friday in a short service to mark Armed Forces Day.
READ MORECouncillors have agreed a £350,000 contract to carry out repairs to the historic Kilbarchan Steeple Buildings.
READ MOREScotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!
READ MOREVoting has opened for this year's Celebrating Renfrewshire Fund as young people get the chance to vote for the projects they think will make the most difference in their communities.
READ MORECrowds are set to soak up the summer vibes at Barshaw Gala Day with an afternoon packed full of exciting activities for all the family!
READ MORERefugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.
READ MORE