This is a news page and any information or instruction included within it was correct at the time of publishing. Please note that with the passing of time this may no longer be the case. Shropshire Council bears no responsibility for actions taken erroneously as a result of following out-of-date information held within old news pages. Please contact us if you are unsure.

Updated 29 January 2021

Libraries are currently closed for public access for the duration of the current lockdown but we are offering our Ready Reads click & collect service from most branches, and emergency PC access is available at Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Ludlow, Market Drayton, Bridgnorth and Church Stretton. There are further details on this page.

Due to local circumstances Ready Reads will not be available at libraries in Broseley, Craven Arms, Cleobury Mortimer and Highley.

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.

We’re operating this as a contactless service from library entrance foyers. Library staff will be observing all appropriate measures such as social distancing and frequent hand-washing, and any returned library books will be placed in quarantine for 72 hours. We ask that you wear a face covering when collecting your books.

Current lockdown – frequently asked questions

Can I go in the library?

To prioritise the safety of customers and staff we aren’t allowing access into library buildings for browsing. We are offering our Ready Reads click & collect service which is operated from library foyers and entrances.

Can I use the library computers?

Library computers are available for emergency purposes only at Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Ludlow, Market Drayton, Bridgnorth and Church Stretton. Sessions are limited to 45 minutes and need to be booked in advance by contacting the relevant library.

What does emergency computer use mean?

An emergency will be something that can only be done online, needs to be done urgently, cannot be done by another agency, and with consequences that could cause detriment to a person’s health, wellbeing or personal circumstances.

I have books due for return what should I do?

Don’t worry! We have temporarily suspended all overdue fines so you don’t need to worry about bringing things back while we’re closed. If you do want to return library items you can drop them off at any of the libraries that are operating Read Reads click & collect. Check with your local branch for details.

When will libraries reopen?

We will reopen our libraries as soon as the restrictions allow us to do so safely. This page will be updated with any further details.

What other services are available while libraries are closed?

You can access our online services via the e-Library page where you can find e-books, e-audiobooks, newspapers and magzines, 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 to help you get through lockdown.

I’ve requested some books, will they still be supplied?

If your library is offering Ready Reads click and collect, then yes your request will be supplied where possible and you’ll be contacted when it’s ready to pick-up. The 75p charge will be put on your account if applicable but we won’t be taking payments  while libraries are closed.

Stock belonging to libraries that are not offering Ready Reads will be inaccessible during this time, so requests for these items will be delayed until they have re-opened.