In line with government guidance Barnet’s libraries are working hard to gradually re-introduce library services over the coming weeks and months.
Barnet Libraries Logo
During the initial phase, residents are now able to pick up and return books and other library items using a new ‘Select and Collect’ service. The service is already available at Barnet’s four Core Plus Libraries: Chipping Barnet, Colindale, Edgware and Finchley Church End. Residents can call, email or go online in advance to select what they would like to borrow.
The service allows residents to specify exactly what they want to borrow or to give information about what they like to read, watch or listen to, and for Barnet’s libraries staff to put together a selection based on the preferences supplied.
For the time being it will not be possible for residents to go inside the Core Plus Libraries to browse the shelves, and all other libraries will remain closed for now.
For vulnerable residents not able to come to one of the four Core Plus Libraries, a Home Library Service is operating to bring books direct to residents. Read full details of the Home Library Service
Towards the end of July, Barnet’s library service is planning to re-introduce pre-booked access to PCs in Chipping Barnet, Colindale, Edgware and Finchley Church End libraries.
More services will be reintroduced in phases over the coming months providing it is safe to do so.
People can also access a huge array of items digitally, including e-books, e-Audiobooks, magazines, newspapers, comics and learning resources, as well as a wide range of regular online events and activities including this year’s all digital Summer Reading Challenge – Silly Squad. In recent months Barnet Libraries have loaned more than 80,000 digital items.
Councillor Reuben Thompstone, Chairman of the Community Leadership and Libraries Committee, said: “I’m very pleased that our new ‘Select and Collect’ service is up and running for residents as we start to re-introduce our library services. It allows people the opportunity to borrow hard copies of books from our collection, along with CDs and DVDs, and it is already proving extremely popular.
“For vulnerable residents not able to use our Select and Collect service, we have a Home Library Service delivering direct to residents.
“The safety of our library users and staff is paramount, so the re-introduction of more services will be a gradual one and I would like to thank people for their patience.
“As always, we have a huge array of e-books, e-Audiobooks and thousands of other publications on offer digitally, all available at the touch of a button. Our libraries team has also done a fantastic job of moving events online and I would encourage parents to take a look at the Summer Reading Challenge which has gone virtual this year.
“To keep up to date on the latest information about which services are on offer, people can visit www.barnet.gov.uk/libraries.”
Select and Collect service contact details:
Phone
Chipping Barnet Library: 020 8359 4040
Colindale Library: 020 8350 3930
Edgware Library: 020 8359 2626
Finchley Church End Library: 020 8359 3800
Email: librariesonlinehelp@barnet.gov.uk
Or go to our Select and Collect page