Published on Wednesday 10 March 2021
Libraries in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are now beginning to offer Order and Collect, reservations and returns services again.
The Order and Collect service enables borrowers to select topics, authors and genres they enjoy. Library staff will then handpick a selection of up to five books, which can be collected from library foyers.
The service has initially been reintroduced in the following libraries:
- Bournemouth
- Boscombe
- Broadstone
- Charminster
- Christchurch
- Kinson
- Parkstone
- Poole
- Rossmore
- West Howe
It is planned that all BCP Libraries will reintroduce Order and Collect services by the end of March. From 22 March it will be available at Canford Cliffs, Canford Heath, Hamworthy, Highcliffe, Southbourne, Tuckton, Westbourne, Winton libraries; from 29 March at Branksome, Castlepoint, Creekmoor, Oakdale, Springbourne libraries; and from 30 March at Ensbury Park Library.
COVID-safe measures will be in place to protect members of the public and staff when collecting and returning books, including sanitising stations, quarantined books and contactless collection.
Councillor Mohan Iyengar, Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Leisure and Culture at BCP Council said: "Our library teams have worked hard to adapt library services during the pandemic and ensure residents have had continued access to resources, whether virtually or through doorstep deliveries.
"I am delighted that the popular Order and Collect service has restarted, giving local book lovers access to a wider choice of reading as they continue to stay at home over the coming weeks.
"Libraries will be observing strict safety measures to keep public and staff safe; although those who prefer can still access library resources in a range of other ways, including free online resources, virtual activities and the Home Library Service."
To place an Order and Collect request, and to check opening hours and contact details for libraries, visit our online library services page. Local residents can also register online to become a member of the library service.
For those who prefer, free online resources and services are available across the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area, including access to information resources, e-books, e-audio books, magazines and newspapers; and local libraries also provide Home Library Service doorstep deliveries with the Royal Voluntary Service.
The library service will also continue hosting online events and activities on @BCPLibraries Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Public libraries are permitted to provide contactless services under the Government's current regulations. The Order and Collect service was temporarily paused in January due to high COVID-19 rates locally but will now be carefully reintroduced with strict safety measures in place.