Richmondshire’s libraries will close from tomorrow due to the coronavirus.
Among those shutting are the Catterick, Richmond and Colburn Community libraries (CRACCL),
CRACCL chair Philip Wicks said: “Initially we took the decision to withdraw our volunteers from the three libraries, and operate reduced hours with NYCC library staff.
“Then the opening hours kept reducing for various reasons until eventually NYCC made the decision to close all libraries across the county with effect from Monday, March 23.
“This is, of course, a matter of great regret because libraries are safe, neutral spaces for all with access to information and digital resources. However, the risks of virus transmission are too great to ignore.”
For these threw libraries:
- With effect from today all physical items borrowed (or renewed) will have a three-month loan period. This is also being applied retrospectively.
- If library cards expire, customers will still be able to access all digital resources and borrow ebooks/eaudio.
- PIN numbers to access online services can be issued over the phone on verification of date of birth and postcode.
- People can now phone in if they wish to join the library. Membership card numbers and PIN will be emailed to them separately.
- With immediate effect, the reservation service is suspended because the libraries are closed.
“Library fines are a source of income for CRACCL, but I want to reassure all library borrowers that fines will be temporarily suspended for as long as is necessary, ” Philip added.
The Home Library Service is under review and any future activity will be coordinated with the county council’s Stronger Communities team, he added.
