Promising 'Safer Better Stronger' - What has been happening plus FAQ's
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Putney Library will be opening on Monday 6 July from 10am to 2.30pm on their normal weekday opening days and on Saturdays - readers are advised to expect reduced opening hours, capacity and services.
GLL, the social enterprise that runs the borough’s libraries have told this website that that they are proud to be a socially responsible organisation that puts the safety of their r staff and their customers first.
In line with Government guidance GLL have introduced a range of new safety and cleaning measures to ensure they can welcome you back.
The approach has been developed in partnership with library sector experts to focus on four key areas designed to keep everyone in the community safe. Please help us to help you.
Cleaning
New cleaning standards have been implemented which will be regularly checked
Please expect and prepare for the following when visiting:
● Hand sanitisation at the library entrance
● Request for all customers to ensure they wipe down shared equipment before and after use
Social Distancing
GLL are limiting the number of customers in our library buildings to ensure effective social distancing and to reduce the risk of transmission.
Please expect and prepare for the following when visiting:
● Limited capacity of people at the library to reduce the ‘density risk’ of transmission
● Clear signage, including floor markings to help everyone to socially distance and remain 2m apart
● In some places we have implemented one way systems to help safe customer flow
● Physical separation of equipment and changed layouts
● Perspex screens at enquiry counters
Customer
Please expect and prepare for the following when visiting:
● Arrive at your booked time to collect Library Takeaway materials or use public computers, not early or late
● Visit alone where possible
● Ensure children under 12 are accompanied by an adult
● Keep your time at the library to a minimum to ensure other customers can also access our services.
Staff
The staff have been trained in our new ways of working and will be responsible for managing the additional cleaning and maintaining social distancing to ensure everyone can stay safe. Please listen to them and follow their instructions.
Please expect and prepare for the following when visiting:
● Non admittance of customers who show possible symptoms
● Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided to all our staff
● Ensuring everyone respects our rules and helps us all stay safe
General Library Operations - FAQ's
What services will be available when libraries reopen?
● Library Takeaway – call, email or reserve online and we’ll have your items issued and ready to collect
● Computer use and printing – via 30 minute pre- booked sessions
● Return you items
● Our online offer continues for activities and events via Facebook and other social media
What Services will not be available when libraries reopen?
● You will not be able to enter the full main body of the library to browse, study or use casual seating.
● There will be no hard copy newspapers and magazines
● There will be no Inter-Library Loans service
● The library is unable to host Activities and events
● The library is not able to sell Parking Permits
● The Library is not able to offer public toilets
What can I expect the first time I visit the library?
● The number of customers allowed at the library will be limited and clearly advertised at entrances
● To avoid congregation outside libraries please maintain social distancing.and queue in the areas indicated
● Areas you can access within the library will be clearly signposted
● Areas for the quarantining of returned stock will be clearly marked and should not be entered.
● Ares for the storage of non essential furniture will be clearly marked and should not be entered
● Public computers available for use will be clearly signposted – due to social distancing the number of workstations available is reduced and so sessions will be for 30 minutes only.
● A member of staff will be available upon arrival to assist with any questions you may have.
● As you enter the library you will see yellow and black Covid-19 signage. Please take notice of these signs as they are placed for your awareness and safety.
● Physical distance spacing will be marked out and there will be poster reminders throughout the library.
● Hand Sanitisation stations will be in place at entrances/exits.
● Enquiry counters will be fitted with Perspex screens.
● You will also see staff members doing regular cleaning.
● Please help the staff and your fellow library users by wiping down shared equipment with the provided cleaning materials before and after use.
What measures have you taken / put in place to minimise risks of virus transmission?
● Thorough cleaning by both professional cleaners and staff.
● No shared equipment unless cleaned between uses
● Hand sanitiser stations at entrances, exits and enquiry counters
● Perspex screens at enquiry counters.
● Closing non-essential areas including study tables, meeting rooms and casual seating.
● Quarantining of all returned stock for 72 hours
● Cashless payments
● Changes to library layouts where possible as well as introducing clear floor markings and more signage to help customers and staff maintain social distancing.
● No events or activities
What is my responsibility regarding social distancing?
● Practice social distancing at all times when in and around the library
● If asked by staff to adjust your positioning please follow their guidance
● Please observe all notices and practice hand hygiene
● Floor markers will indicate safe distances
What do I need to know before coming to the library?
● Please do not visit the library if you feel unwell
● Use the hand sanitizer provided when entering and exiting the library
● Let a member of staff know if you or anyone in your household develops Covid-19 symptoms
● Please be patient and polite with staff and observe all signage
Will you be temperature testing staff or members?
● No
Are toilets available?
● No public toilets will be available for use
How are you protecting the staff?
● GLL say 'the safety of our customers and staff is our number one priority. We have put an extensive range of protective measures in place'. These include (but not limited to); increased cleaning specifications, hand sanitization stations, adhering to social distancing guidelines and the closure of non-essential areas.
● In addition, staff will be washing their hand frequently and have been issued with cleaning materials and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including visors, masks, and disposable gloves. Perspex screens have also been installed at enquiry counters.
Do I need to wear a mask?
● Wearing a mask is your choice and not mandatory according to government regulations. Some of the staff may wear masks.
Will the new rules be in place forever?
● The situation is evolving, GLL ask customers to continue to continue to check their website for the latest updates and guidance.
My books were due back while you were closed – will I be fined for late return?
• All loans have been extended during the closure period and so no late return fees will be due.
I cannot return items as my local library has not yet reopened
• All loans have been extended during the closure period and so no late return fees will be due.
• Loans for libraries not yet reopened will be extended further
• If you can visit a library locally that has reopened then you can return and borrow items from there.
I cannot visit the library to return my items due to being shielded/vulnerable
• All loans have been extended during the closure period and so no late return fees will be due.
• If a friend or family member cannot return items for you please contact GLL and they will arrange for your loans to be extended further
• The home library service may be able to help, please contact them on hdls@gll.org or Telephone: 020 8877 1742 - select option 2
I cannot visit the library to collect new reads due to being shielded/vulnerable
• Through the Library Takeaway service you can arrange for a friend or family member to collect new reads for you
How do I join the library?
• To become a new member at this time, you can do so by completing the online form and then email the temporary code to libraries.administration@gll.org, or phone the library and speak to a member of staff, we will then confirm a time for you to come down and collect your library card
Can I still reserve specific books I want to read?
• The public access catalogue is always open and you can use it, along with your library card number and PIN to reserve items for collection.
• Be aware that only stock in open libraries will be available to reserve
If I cannot browse the library shelves and do not want a specific title how can I access something new to read?
• The Library Takeaway service is designed to help you find your next favourite read.
• Contact GLL by phone or email and let us know your reading preferences.
• The staff will then hand-pick a number of new reads for you and let you know when they are ready to collect.
What library services can I access at home if I do not want to visit in person?
• The online library is always open and your library card and PIN gives you free access to thousands of ebooks, eaudiobooks, emagazines, enewspapers and emusic.
• Reference and information resources such as Encyclopedia Britannica are also available to access online for free
• The social media channels are running a variety of online activities such as story times and craft clubs.
Is the Summer Reading Challenge taking place this year?
• The annual Summer Reading Challenge has started digitally this year and primary school aged children can still join up and take part at https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/
• The social media channels are also running a variety of activities online linked to this years theme of #sillysquad
• GLL will be making up packs of stickers and prizes as part of the Library Takeaway offer in the next few weeks
Can I use a public computer?
• Public use computers are available but be aware that due to social distancing measures the number of computers is reduced and so sessions are for 30 minutes only
• Pre-booking a computer session with staff is advised, due to limited capacity drop-in use may not be possible
Can I use printing facilities?
• Public printing facilities are still available via our public computers, staff will explain how this will operate when you visit
• Be aware that due to social distancing measures the number of computers is reduced and so sessions are for 30 minutes only
• Pre-booking a computer session with staff is advised, due to limited capacity drop-in use may not be possible
• Cashless payment options are provided
Can staff help me use the computer or printing facilities?
• Due to social distancing staff are unable to offer 121 computer assistance
Need to contact GLL?
● Library staff are your first point of contact if you have any feedback about the entry rules, policies, procedures or services GLL are offering during reopening. GLL appreciate your patience as staff and customers find their way through the reopening of libraries and encourage any helpful feedback to help improve the experience for all.
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September 18, 2020
