Ealing Central Library Set To Reopen

No details as yet as to when other borough libraries are to return

Ealing Central Library

Ealing Central Library has been announced as the first library to reopen its doors in the borough.

The site based in Ealing Broadway will welcome visitors from 17 August, and will “look and feel significantly different” due to coronavirus measures that have been put in place.

Services will be limited to the click-and-collect service and returning books. Browsing the library, using computers and access to newspapers, magazines and the children’s library will not be allowed at this point.

Visitors will also have to wear face masks inside the library.

The government announced that libraries could reopen from 4 July, but the council has said that the phased return of Ealing’s services has been delayed as all risk assessments have not been carried out.

Ealing’s community service chief Jasbir Anand, said, “Our libraries are a vital part of community life here in the borough and I am delighted that we are now in a position to start to reopen them in a phased approach, starting this month with Ealing Central.

“Obviously the look and feel of libraries will be significantly different to what visitors may have been used to before the Covid-19 pandemic. There are measures in place to allow residents to social-distance in line with government rules and I urge anyone visiting to act responsibly and carefully at all times.

“Ealing Central Library is reopening first and all library users in the borough will be able to access services here until other libraries are in a position to welcome back users. Our libraries are a network so even if you do not normally use Ealing Central, there will be services available to you as a resident of the borough.”

Residents will also be able to continue to access online resources such as e-books.

It is not clear which libraries will be the next to reopen and when this will be. Ealing Council have been contacted for an update.

August 10, 2020