Tuesday 21 July 2020

LIBRARIES SET TO REOPEN FOR BROWSERS - BUT THE SERVICE WILL BE MUCH REDUCED

                                        
Grimsby Central Library -  public computers likely to remain off-limits

A TARGET date has been set for re-opening of Grimsby Central Library and its satellite branches in Cleethorpes, Immingham and Waltham.

At present, the libraries operate only an internet-based appointment-only click-and-collect service - in effect, a watered-down version of retailer Argos.

However, the plan is to re-open - at least for browsers - on August 4.

However, it is understood that will still be severe restrictions.

Not only will hours be reduced from pre-coronavirus days but only a few 'bookshelf-surfers' - the precise number is not yet known - will be allowed on the premises at any one time.

At this stage, it is not though the public computers will be available for use, though further information will be released shortly.

In the medium to long term, the future of the libraries look bleak.

With the public purse under severe pressure, it is feared they could become an early victim of cost-cutting measures.

1 comment:

  1. I would certainly not want the libraries to close. For example, where would we go for genealogy research records and information? Many people cannot afford to buy books, and the libraries are an excellent source. Is the council supposed to be developing the main library to include and create hub facilities and atmosphere, providing support, for example, to attract more (and younger) users?

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