Fingal Libraries to reopen with a ‘Contact and Collect’ service for members from Monday
Fingal Libraries will be reopening on Monday next (June 8) with a ‘Contact and Collect’ service which will allow members avail of a simple process to borrow books, DVDs and other materials from their nearest library branch while adhering to public health guidelines.
Members are being asked to follow these simple steps:
- Contact us via phone or email
- Books will be selected for you
- Collect your books by appointment only
- Read at your leisure
- Return when finished
Initially, library spaces will be restricted to library staff and will only be accessible to the public for the ‘Contact and Collect’ service but, libraries will eventually begin to re-open buildings to limited numbers in line with public health guidance and while implementing social distancing measures.
Fingal Libraries has a wide variety of items in stock including books, talking books, large print and a limited selection of DVDs. There is no guarantee of the title of your choice, but staff can select books by your favourite author/genre or subject matter. Library materials can be collected and borrowed for a three-week loan period and if necessary, staff can amend the number of items on your account and the loan period. Don’t worry if you’re not a member of Fingal libraries, you can join with no fuss.
The ‘Contact and Collect’ service will be available at the following branch libraries from Monday 8th June - Blanchardstown, Baldoyle, Garristown, Howth, Rush, Skerries and Swords libraries.
Members should note that Malahide and Balbriggan libraries are currently closed for renovation works. Donabate library is closed because it is situated inside the Donabate Portrane Community & Leisure Centre. Fingal County Council is engaging with the Board of Donabate Portrane Community Centre to put in place measures to open the centre and the library.
You can contact your next closest library in the network to avail of the ‘Contact and Collect’ service. Updates on progress towards re-opening of these libraries will be posted on Fingal Libraries social media platforms and on the fingal.ie website.
Please contact these libraries in advance of attending as opening hours are varied and arrangements will need to be made regarding the safe return and handling of library stock:
Blanchardstown library 8905563 / 8905784 [email protected]
Baldoyle library 8906793 / 8906794 [email protected]
Garristown library 8355020 [email protected]
Howth library 8905026 [email protected]
Rush library 8708414 [email protected]
Skerries library 8905671 [email protected]
Swords library 8905582 / 8905894
[email protected]
Mayor of Fingal Cllr. Eoghan O’ Brien, said: “I welcome this new ‘Contact and Collect’ Service being offered by Fingal Libraries as part of their re-opening under phase 2 of the Government’s Roadmap for reopening society and business. The library network has been providing a wonderful service to local people during the Covid-19 period, and this new service is a great new option for members.”
County Librarian, Betty Boardman, said: “We are very pleased that Fingal Libraries can now offer a ‘Contact and Collect’ service to the public as we commence the re-opening of our libraries. The Covid-19 period has been difficult for our borrowers, particularly for children, but this will go some way towards providing them with additional reading material.”
Margaret Geraghty, Director of Housing and Community at Fingal County Council said: “We are looking forward to the phased re-opening of our libraries whilst taking account of public health guidance. The “Contact and Collect’ service will complement the great work of our library staff over the last number of weeks, providing an online access to our services.”