Date set for City Library reopening

Newcastle’s City Library is set to reopen its doors to visitors next week, almost four months after it was forced to close to due to the coronavirus pandemic.

City Library

When the City Library opens on Wednesday July 22, it will be the first facility managed by Newcastle Libraries to reopen.

There will be a reduced service on offer to visitors and social distancing measures and other precautions will be in place to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Cllr Irim Ali, Newcastle City Council cabinet member for Neighbourhoods and Public Health, said: “While it would have been possible to reopen all our libraries at the start of July, we had to prioritise the health and safety of all our staff and the many people who use the cherished libraries in our city.

“Our libraries staff have put in a huge amount of work to safely manage the reopening of the City Library and they look forward to welcoming the first visitors after a lengthy closure.

“I would ask all visitors to adhere to the new measures in place, and be patient with staff who will be working hard to ensure people can enjoy the library safely.

“It gives me great pride that the City Library is reopening its doors, I’m grateful for everyone who has waited patiently for this to happen, and I hope soon to be able to share more positive news concerning libraries in other parts of Newcastle.”

The City Library will be open Monday to Friday between 11am and 5pm, and initially only Levels 1 and 2 will be open to the public.

Social distancing measures including protective screens, floor markings, signage and sanitisation stations will be in place to help people maintain best hygiene practices during their visit in line with the latest Public Health England guidance.

PCs will be available to use with a time limit of one hour per person per day, and people wishing to use them must wear a face covering.

The City Library will be open to people wishing to use the Select and Collect book ordering serving, make telephone and council related enquiries, while visa applications can be made by appointment only.

All books processed to members of the public will be quarantined for 72 hours upon their return before they can be reissued.

The City Library café will also reopen later this month, operating a takeaway-only service.

Plans for the reopening of further floors at City Library, as well as all other Newcastle Libraries sites in the city, are still under development but will be released once they are finalised and we are confident it will safe for both staff and visitors to reopen them.