Proposed dates for re-opening last three libraries
As Covid restrictions continue to ease, further plans to re-open remaining closed library branches have been announced.
Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, Cllr Jim Goodfellow, said: “Following two national lockdowns, we have been incrementally reopening our libraries as staffing levels permit. All libraries are operating reduced opening times currently until we can analyse the results of our Public Library survey with regard to opening hours and we have full staffing in place. However, there is unlikely to be any major change to permanent opening hours at this time just a more consistent approach to when libraries are open and closed.”
“We have reopened nine of our twelve libraries to date with three libraries – Gullane, East Linton and Ormiston yet to reopen. The Library Service has been very innovative during the lockdown periods with online services proving to be increasingly popular and then the introduction of ‘Click and Collect’.
“When branches were able to re-open, the first ones to do so were the larger branches including Haddington and Musselburgh where it was possible to introduce appropriate distancing measures including a one-way system around the buildings. The other advantage was that these more popular branches are situated in bigger town centres so people who couldn’t access their local library were able to include a visit when out shopping. Those customers unable to leave their homes have continued to be provided with a home delivery service where books and other loans are delivered directly to them.”
“It is proposed that on 31 August 2021, Gullane Library will reopen initially for 2 days a week, on a Tuesday and Friday until we can recruit necessary staff to return to fuller hours of opening. In early October 2021, it is intended to reopen both East Linton and Ormiston libraries, also for 2 days a week, again until we secure sufficient staffing resource. More widely, all libraries will return to full opening hours once we have appropriate staffing in place and there will be regular updates provided through our Library webpages, our Library newsletter, council social media and local media.