Libraries and community hubs in Newcastle to close following latest coronavirus advice

Newcastle City Council has today confirmed that libraries and some community hubs will close to the public following government advice on social distancing.

This will apply to all libraries from 5pm today (Wednesday 18 March).

Fenham Library will remain partially open for those using the community-based recovery services that operate from the building to ensure that those needing specialist support can still get this. Access will only be granted if you have an appointment.

City Library will also continue to offer appointments for those accessing the Biometric Visa Checking Service to allow this support to continue. However, this will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Again, access will be granted by appointment only.

The closure of the community hubs will also impact on some of Your Homes Newcastle’s frontline services, which use the centres in the East End, Kenton, Outer West, Walker and West End as a base.

This follows an earlier decision by the Tyne and Wear Museums service to close all of the city’s museums, galleries and archives.

Closures are provisionally in place until 1 May but this will be kept under review and updated if national advice and guidance changes.

Pat Ritchie, Chief Executive of Newcastle City Council, said: “Following the latest guidance from government on the need to reduce social contact we will be closing our libraries and community hubs to the public from this evening.

“These are difficult decisions to have to make but I am sure people will understand that protecting people’s health – particularly those that are more vulnerable – is the main priority at this time.

“We remain in regular contact with government and Public Health England to ensure that we can inform people and act upon the latest advice and guidance.

“We appreciate people’s support and understanding as we make changes to some services in response to this guidance and wish to reassure people that we are doing everything possible to ensure we continue to prioritise essential frontline services.”

Your Homes Newcastle customers are encouraged to call the organisation’s contact centre on 0191 278 8600.

The following libraries and community hubs in Newcastle will close from 5pm tonight (18 March):