All our libraries are now open. The safety of customers and staff remains the top priority so various measures are in place to ensure that libraries are safe spaces for everyone. See the Frequently Asked Questions on this page for further details.

As part of our COVID measures libraries are operating on temporarily reduced opening times so please check your local branch for details here Find a Library. Please note that in accordance with updated scientific advice we will no longer be quarantining returned stock. 

Library charges for overdue items currently remain suspended but please note that fines are likely to be reinstated after 19 July if restrictions are lifted as planned.

For those who prefer the convenience of click & collect our Ready Reads service is also available.

Ready Reads Collect

Ready Reads Collect is a different way for you to get hold of books to read or listen to.

To get your Ready Reads, complete the online form to tell us what sort of books you’re after and a few other details. Library staff will then put together a selection of books based on what you’ve told us and we’ll contact you when they’re ready to pick-up from the library.

What to expect in your library – frequently asked questions

Can I go in the library?

Yes you can come into libraries to browse but we ask that customers try to limit the amount of time spent in the building. Library staff may ask you to limit your visit to 15 minutes if others are waiting to come in.

What safety measures do you have in place?

To enable social distancing we will limit the number of people in the library at the same time, we may have altered the layout of the library to help people to keep apart, and entrance/exit points may have changed. We may have removed tables and chairs to improve circulation space and to reduce the risk of virus spread.

Hand-sanitiser will be available for customers and we encourage everyone to make use of it. There may be protective screens on library counters so please stand in front of these when dealing with staff. We’ll be sanitising touch-point surfaces regularly during the day.

Will I need to wear a face covering?

Yes face coverings are now mandatory in all Shropshire Council buildings including libraries, unless you have an age, health or disability reason for not wearing one as set out by the government.

Why have the opening hours been reduced?

As a temporary measure many of our libraries will be operating on reduced opening times. This is to allow for additional cleaning of libraries, to manage the quarantining of books, and to enable staff to carry out tasks in the library that may be difficult during open hours.

Can I use the library computers?

There will be a reduced number of computers available for use and equipment will be sanitised between users. Sessions may be limited to 45 minutes depending on capacity and these must be pre-booked by contacting the relevant library. Library staff won’t be able to assist you on the computers quite as much as before.

Are you still charging fines for things that are overdue?

No. All overdue fines are currently suspended but charges are likely to be reinstated from 19 July.

Are libraries involved in the Track & Trace scheme?

Along with many other venues libraries have been asked by the Government to collect contact details for everyone who comes in to the library. Your correct details may already be on our library system, but if not we will ask for contact details when you arrive.

What about newspapers and other reference items?

We cannot quarantine or sanitise some things such as newspapers, leaflets and some reference materials so these will be unavailable until the risk of spreading the virus has been reduced.

Can I use the study spaces in the library?

In order to manage the numbers of people in each library we are not currently allowing use of study areas and other seating. However we will be reviewing this position as we move closer to restrictions potentially being lifted after 19 July.

Will there be events and activities in the library?

Events and activities in libraries will be reintroduced as soon as we can hold them safety. In the meantime we are continuing to develop our programme of online events and activities for all ages. 

What other services are available if I still can’t get to the library?

You can access our online services via the e-Library page where you can find e-books, e-audiobooks, newspapers and magazines, plus a range of other digital resources.

We are running various online events including weekly Rhyme Times and Story Times. Visit the library events page for details.

Our Libraries from Home page has various resources that you may find useful.