Q. Has the SPL re-opened?
UPDATED AS OF 23/4/2021.
Following Scottish Government guidelines, we are pleased to inform you that the library has re-opened to the public. Our working hours are Monday-Friday, 10am-2pm. On a limited basis, visitors can enter the Library and use its study areas.
Our Click and Collect service and our free postal borrowing offer will remain available until further notice.
If you have any questions about any of the following, please contact us on reception@spl.org.uk
One of our main sources of reference for managing our services coming out of the lockdown in the safest way is a document produced by SLIC and the Scottish Government for public libraries, which can be read here.
Q. Is it safe to borrow books?
A. Yes, the latest advice provided by library professional bodies is to set aside (quarantine) books for 72 hours.
Q. What will the visitor experience feel like?
A. While we will still need to control the number of people in the library, we will have limited spaces available for independent work and study.
Staff will be equipped with the appropriate PPE. As well as staff on hand, we will have signs to provide guidance on orientation and spaces and resources that will be accessible.
Q. How does ‘Click and Collect’ work?
A. If you wish to borrow a book, first check it’s on the catalogue. After that, email our librarians at reception@spl.org.uk or phone 0131 557 2876 between 10am and 2pm, Monday to Friday.
To repeat the main points:
- Our staff will be able to reserve your book if it is in stock and not being borrowed.
- We will bag the books up and have them ready for you to go when you arrive.
- We recommend that borrowed books are quarantined for three days after collection.
- After books are returned, we will set them aside for three days before returning them to the collection.
Q. What safety measures will be in place for borrowers and staff?
A. We aim to make the library safe for visitors and staff alike. We will follow best practice guidelines on PPE for handling books, cleaning the building and making available, for example, hand-gel dispensers. Please wear a face-covering.
Q. What about postal borrowing?
A. We are offering free postal borrowing of up to two books at a time for all of our borrowers. You can reserve books by emailing our librarians at reception@spl.org.uk or by phoning 0131 557 2876 between 10am and 2pm, Monday to Friday. We will manage a once-a -week bulk postal service and will provide a freepost label so you can return the books to us.
The standard borrowing limit of up to six books will continue for the Click and Collect service. The loan period will be extended to eight weeks.
Q. How do I return my books?
A. Books can be returned at any time either through our library letter box at the front door or via post. Books can also be returned in person to our reception desk during opening hours.
If a book you have already borrowed before lockdown in March hasn’t been reserved by another user, and you would like to keep hold of it for a little while longer, you can renew it online or contact the library reception and we can do this for you.
Q. Will the Library be hosting any events or reading activities?
A. As with all other indoor venues in Scotland, our events programme has been suspended. We will continue to support and recommend online readings and discussions hosted by book festivals and literary partners.
Our frequent reading and creative writing groups have moved to virtual online platforms. This is an area of work that we will likely expand beyond the present period of physical and social contact restrictions.
When we reopen the Library, a primary consideration will be in supporting the physical access needs of people with mobility and sensory impairments.
Q. Will the Library be available for venue hire and room bookings?
A. As things stand, we won’t be hosting any new activities in the building’s rooms and spaces until the public health guidance makes it safe for us to do so.