COVID-19 - Reopening our libraries
Swindon’s five core libraries have been closed to the public since March, in line with government coronavirus guidelines. As restrictions begin to ease, we can now start to reopen library services.
We will be restarting library services in a phased process over the next few months. The phased restart will make sure we operate in line with Government guidance, and that you and our staff are safe at all times.
Introducing a Click, Call and Collect service
A new Click, Call and Collect service is available at Central, North Swindon, West Swindon and Highworth and Park libraries, allowing customers to reserve books online or by telephone on (01793) 463238.
Find out more about this service: Click, Call and Collect service
Community libraries
For information on your local community library, not managed by Swindon Borough Council, visit our location and opening hours webpage and select your local library.
Current service availability
While preparations continue several library facilities and services will be unavailable during this initial phase. These are:
- No public computers (including printing, photocopying and scanning)
- No customer toilets or baby changing facilities
- No browsing or studying in the library
- Story Times and Rhyme Times will be online only
- The Local Studies team will continue with an email-only service: localstudies@swindon.gov.uk
- The Library Shop will be open for online sales only
How we plan to reopen more services
From August, additional library services will become available, including quick choice book sessions and access to our public computers. To ensure compliance with social distancing measures, the number of people in our libraries will be restricted and so these sessions will involve pre-booked time slots, across all five core libraries.
Further information around the reopening of these additional services will be provided in due course.
Online services available to our library members
During lockdown, several important changes and improvements have been introduced to improve our already extensive digital offer and make sure residents can continue enjoying library services. These include:
- Our new instant digital membership system, providing residents a faster and easier way to become library members
- An expanded range of eResources giving you free access to premium websites
- An increased and improved selection of eBooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers
- For the first time, a range of eComics are now available
- A series of regular online story times are now shared on YouTube and Facebook