COVID-19: Library Services Currently Available

• Services available during National lockdown - from 6 January 2021
• What visitors cannot do
• COVID-19 safety measures
• Libraries opening times
• Library book fines
• Online resources

Services available during National lockdown (from 6 January 2021)

Following the government's announcement of National lockdown, we have made changes to the library services on offer.

Our libraries will only be available for:

• Access to Computers and printing and Click and Collect are available at Wood Green, Hornsey and Marcus Garvey libraries only by appointment only.
• Pre-order Ready Reads (books selected by librarians) and reservations (specific titles) online in advance or through our dedicated telephone line: 020 8489 2700, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
• Home Library Service for those most vulnerable.

This means that:

• Alexandra Park, Coombes Croft, Highgate, Muswell Hill, St Ann's and Stroud Green and Harringay libraries will remain closed throughout the National lockdown
• Browsing stock, WiFi access and study spaces will not be available
• Fines will not be charged for overdue books and reservation charges will be removed for items that are in stock in our catalogue. Charges will still apply for purchased stock requests
• Library overdue charges will remain suspended during National lockdown

Drop Boxes

Users can return books in a designed ‘Drop Box’ situated outside Wood Green and Marcus Garvey libraries. Items will be placed into quarantine before being removed from accounts.

Grab & Go

Unfortunately, browsing is not available during National lockdown. To access books, please use the Click & Collect option.

Click & Collect

This service will be available during National lockdown.

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 six 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 two ways to order your pack:
  • by phone - call us on 020 8489 2700 from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
  • 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 Friday, 9am to 5pm.

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

Unfortunately, study spaces and access to our free wi-fi are not available during National lockdown.

Home Library Service

This service is available during National lockdown.

A dedicated service for the most vulnerable. For more info, see our dedicated Home Library Service page.

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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 newspapers or periodicals
• participate in group activities

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COVID-19 safety measures

In line with government guidance, visitors and staff must 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, you need to 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
• quarantine areas for returned books (books are kept in quarantine for 72 hours)
• customers and staff are required to wear face coverings inside the library
• increased cleaning of frequently handled areas including computers

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Library book fines have suspended

We will remove overdue charges for items which became overdue since 23 March 2020, and fines remain suspended throughout the National lockdown. 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.

Renew online

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Online resources

We have a wide range of library online services that you can explore - eBooks, audiobooks, newspapers, research tools and other online resources.

Library Online Services

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