Blackpool Libraries updates opening hours and sees the return of Mereside Library in line with Libraries Week!
Written by John Williamson on 28/09/2021
Blackpool Council is excited to introduce extended opening times across all of its libraries, as well as the reopening of Mereside Library, giving residents even more opportunities to enjoy everything on offer!
New opening hours will start from Monday 4 October, which is also the launch of our annual Libraries Week celebrations.
This year’s theme is ‘Taking action, changing lives’ and there will be a variety of public and online events for all ages to enjoy, including some visits by our team to local schools and the delivery of a special ‘afternoon tea in a bag’ to some of our Library-At-Home customers.
Following a phased approach to reopen the sites, Blackpool libraries operating times, (from Monday 4 October 2021), will be as follows:
Central | Layton | Anchorsholme | Palatine | |
Monday | CLOSED | 10am-4pm | 10am-4pm | 9am-5pm |
Tuesday | 9am-5pm | CLOSED | 10am-4pm | 9am-5pm |
Wednesday | 9am-5pm | 10am-4pm | 10am-4pm | CLOSED |
Thursday | 9am-7pm | CLOSED | 10am-4pm | CLOSED |
Friday | CLOSED | 10am-4pm | CLOSED | 9am-5pm |
Saturday | 10am-4pm | 10am-1pm | 10am-1pm | 10am-4pm |
Sunday | CLOSED | CLOSED | CLOSED | CLOSED |
Moor Park | Mereside | Revoe | @The Grange | |
Monday | 9am-5pm | 10am-1pm | 1pm-5pm | 9am-4pm |
Tuesday | CLOSED | 10am-1pm | 1pm-5pm | 9am-4pm |
Wednesday | CLOSED | CLOSED | 10am-1pm | 9am-4pm |
Thursday | 9am-5pm | 1pm-5pm | CLOSED | 9am-4pm |
Friday | 9am-5pm | 1pm-5pm | 1pm-5pm | 9am-4pm |
Saturday | 10am-4pm | CLOSED | CLOSED | CLOSED |
Sunday | CLOSED | CLOSED | CLOSED | CLOSED |
The libraries team have planned a careful extension to the current opening hours, seeking advice from Public Health and Council leaders to ensure a safe service considering the present circumstances.
Library users will be able to:
• Access computer/printing and copying facilities
• Browse and borrow items
• Collect pre-ordered books at the door (if they prefer)
For those visiting the library, necessary measures will remain in place, including:
• Mandatory hand sanitising on entry and exit
• Reduced visitor capacity
• Limited time on library computers (for 1 hour per person per day)
• Use of protective screens at counters and around computer terminals
•
Customers will also continue to be asked to provide contact details to assist with the NHS Test and Trace programme.
Councillor Kathryn Benson – Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, Aspirations and Community Assets, said: “We know how much our residents value visiting our library buildings and will be happy to see them open for increased hours, and see the return of Mereside library.
“We are really pleased that many locals have already returned to our libraries over the last few months and hope many more will return to enjoy and utilise the fantastic range of services available.
“The libraries team have been working hard to deliver services and activities whilst ensuring enhanced safety for all those visiting and thank residents for their support and understanding. They look forward to offering an extended in-person service we know many in our communities really benefit from.”
Blackpool residents can also continue to access digital library services, from their homes, including FREE e-Newspapers, a range of comics and graphic novels, as well as a wide range of e-Magazines and e-Book/e-Audiobook content.
The service is at no cost to library members, and those who are not already with membership can sign up online via the council website and gives access to a wide range of titles online or via an app.
To join the library visit www.blackpool.gov.uk/libraries . Follow the ‘Join the Library’ links to submit your details and find out more about how to access RBdigital.