COVID-19: Library Services Currently Available
Library Roadmap from 19 July 2021
- Services available
- What visitors cannot do
- COVID-19 safety measures
- Libraries revised opening times
- Library book fines
- Online resources
Services available
Throughout the pandemic, our priority has been to keep our customers and staff safe. This will continue to be our focus over the coming months. We have put in place a phased approach to expand our in-person library services - this is based on the 4-step plan set out by the government.
We are pleased to announce that most of our libraries have reopened, with revisions to our opening times. In addition to access to public computers and unlimited visits to browse bookshelves, we are able to offer bookable indoor events and meeting rooms. More details are available below.
To ensure people continue to feel safe visiting our libraries, the following COVID measures will remain in place:
- Library users are encouraged to wear a face-covering when moving around our library spaces (unless exempt)
- Maintain a 2 metre distance between yourself and others
- Scan the Track and Trace QR code when entering buildings
The rule of 6 (or 2 households) will no longer apply - however, we will be monitoring the capacity of our buildings (excluding children and young people).
During this step, we will continually review our opening hours and service offer with the aim of providing more opportunities for residents to access our libraries during the summer holidays.
Our libraries will be available for:
- Access to Computers and printing and Click and Collect are available at most sites (except for Stroud Green Library, which is closed due to major refurbishments)
- Untimed visit to browse shelves and the use of new self-service kiosks for borrowing and returning items (except for Alexandra Park Library, as it prepares for refurbishments)
- Book study desks and use our free WiFi - only at Wood Green, Hornsey and Marcus Garvey libraries
- Collection of Pre-ordered Ready Reads (books selected by librarians) and reservations (specific titles) online in advance or through our dedicated telephone line: 020 8489 2700, Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm
- Home Library Service for the most vulnerable.
This means that:
- Stroud Green and Harringay Library will remain closed until the refurbishments have completed
- Alexandra Park Library is only available for computer access as it prepares for planned refurbishment. Access to stock is unavailable
- Library overdue charges will be waived for any fines applied between 23 March 2020 to 16 May 2021
Click and Collect
Collect preselected bags (Ready Reads) and/or specific titles ordered in advance online or by phone. You will get notified when to collect at specific dates and time.
Ready Reads:
Ready Reads is a new way to borrow books from Haringey libraries. Simply let us know what you like to read, and we’ll choose a selection of books for you. You won’t be able to request specific authors or titles, but we’ll do our best to find books you’ll enjoy. There are 6 books in each pack and only one pack is available per library card. We will contact you when they are ready to collect. There are 2 ways to order your pack:
- by phone - call us on 020 8489 2700 from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm
- via the dedicated Ready Reads online form.
Request specific titles:
You can request specific titles and collect them from your chosen library by visiting our library catalogue. Alternatively, you can call us on 020 8489 2700 from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm
Limited computer use and printing
Important: If you want to use a computer at any of our libraries during COVID-19 you must book in advance.
To comply with social distancing requirements, we have had to reduce capacity and computer use is restricted to one hour per day.
How to book: Visit our Computers and Printing page to find out more and to book.
Study spaces and library Wi-Fi
Study spaces and access to our free wi-fi are only available at Wood Green, Hornsey and Marcus Garvey libraries. Sessions can be booked via the same booking system as the PCs (note: there is a known issue where it only allows 1 hour per day). For longer sessions, please call us on 020 8489 2700 from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm
What visitors cannot do
This means that currently, visitors cannot:
- use seating areas
- use a computer without booking in advance
- access wi-fi if not booked into a dedicated study area
- read paper newspapers or periodicals
COVID-19 safety measures
In line with government guidance, visitors are encouraged to wear face coverings all the time, unless they are exempt (external link). Please do not visit the library if you’re self-isolating or have COVID-19 symptoms.
On arrival, please check in using the NHS COVID-19 app (external link). Alternatively, a member of staff will take your details.
This is to assist NHS Test and Trace to contact individuals in the event of a local coronavirus outbreak. If requested, your details will be released to NHS Test and Trace only and no other party. Your details will be kept securely and destroyed by senior library officers after 21 days.
In addition, we have made changes to layouts and are asking visitors to limit the amount of time they spend in the library. Social distancing measures are in place including:
- queue management
- screens on Information Points
- hand sanitiser stations
- staff are required to wear face coverings (unless exempt)
- increased cleaning of frequently handled areas including computers
Libraries revised opening times
| Library | Opening times |
|---|---|
| |
| |
| Closed due to major refurbishments. |
Library fines and charges
We will remove overdue charges for items that were applied between 23 March 2020 to 16 May 2021. You can still view your account online. If you need to discuss items on your account, please contact us on 020 8489 2700.
Find out more on our Borrowing and charges page.
Online resources
We have a wide range of library online services that you can explore - eBooks, audiobooks, newspapers, research tools and other online resources.