Elma Turner and Stoke Public Libraries set to reopen

Elma Turner Library and Stoke Public Library will reopen to the public with limited capacity and contact tracing on Monday, 18 May.

Both libraries will be open from 10am-4.30pm on weekdays, and retain original weekend hours, 10am-4pm Saturday and 1pm-4pm Sunday at Elma Turner and 10am-1pm Saturday at Stoke. The Nightingale Library will remain closed.

Acting Group Manager Community Services Mark Preston-Thomas said library staff had been working hard behind the scenes on the library’s digital offerings while the physical site was closed and were looking forward to seeing some familiar faces again.

“We’re following Government guidelines to ensure the library is a safe space for people to visit once again. It might look a little bit different, but we’re pleased to be able to welcome our library community back.”

No programmes or events will take place at either site until the end of term two on Friday 2nd July and the activity room in Elma Turner will remain closed to the public.

Visitors may also notice additional hand sanitiser stations and furniture and computer stations have been spread out in or removed accordance with physical distancing guidelines. 

Staff are carrying out additional cleaning measures.

Other changes visitors should note are:

• Numbers coming into the libraries will be limited and those entering the library will be required to sign in at the front desk for contact tracing purposes.
• Visitors will have 30 minutes to complete their visit to the library, and must follow social distancing requirements of at least 1m.
• Entry to the Elma Turner Library will be from the carpark. The Halifax East Street entrance will be closed. An area for physically distanced queuing will be cordoned off if the library is at capacity and customers wish to wait.
• Printing is available and can be paid at the kiosk. Printouts are to be self-collected from the printer.
• Where possible, it is advised one person from each family visits the library to assist with physical distancing and allow for as many people to visit in the allocated time as possible. Children must be closely supervised to ensure physical distancing.
• On hold items can be collected.

A click and collect service will be provided at both sites from Thursday 14 May, 12pm-4pm, enabling customers to pick up their items from the library foyer.  

An enhanced home delivery service is available for vulnerable Nelson residents who are at high risk of illness and advised not to leave their homes. An application form for this service is available on the libraries website.

The libraries online services, including ebooks, audio books, online device advice, Kanopy and research databases remain available for use.

These measures, including the opening hours, are expected to be in place for the next four weeks.

Further information on how the libraries will be operating can be found here.