Coronavirus Advice and Guidance
Libraries Re-opening
Customers will once again be able to browse the shelves in person at several libraries in the county from tomorrow (Saturday 27th March).
Following the announcement by the First Minister today (Friday 26th March), libraries in Fishguard, Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock and Tenby will resume offering library visits, as well as public access to PCs and an Order and Collect service.
Browsing will also return at Narberth Community Library, in addition to its current Order and Collect service.
Libraries in Newport, Neyland, Pembroke and Saundersfoot will continue to offer Order and Collect only.
When entering a library, customers must adhere to the following guidelines:
· On arrival, you will be asked to sanitise your hands.
· 2 metre social distancing must be observed at all times.
· A protective face covering must be worn for the duration of your visit, in line with Welsh Government guidance.
· Children must be supervised at all times.
· Do not visit a library if you or a member of your family is displaying COVID-19 symptoms.
In addition to the in-person services available, library members can continue to enjoy free access to thousands of e-books, e-audio books and e-magazines from home via the 24/7 e-Library.
To access the 24/7 e-Library, log on to pembrokeshire.gov.uk/libraries-and-culture, and select ‘24/7 e-Library’.
To check the opening hours of your local library, including details of the upcoming Easter closures, go to pembrokeshire.gov.uk/pembrokeshire-libraries
Order and Collect
Libraries in Fishguard, Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Narberth, Newport, Neyland, Pembroke, Pembroke Dock, Saundersfoot and Tenby are accepting bookings for this service.
Orders can be placed via the Order and Collect form below:
Alternatively, orders can be placed over the phone by contacting one of the libraries operating the service:
Fishguard Library and Tourist Information Centre (01437 776638)
Milford Haven Library and Information Centre (01437 771888)
Narberth Community Library (01437 775650)
Newport Community Library (01437 776651)
Neyland Library (01437 775131)
Pembroke Library and Information Centre (01437 776454)
Pembroke Dock Library (01437 775825)
Saundersfoot Library and Information Centre (01437 776050)
Tenby Library (01437 775151)
The Riverside, Haverfordwest (01437 775244)
Library members can select up to a maximum of six items, and can either ask for a pre-selected collection such as romance or thrillers, or select specific titles from the online catalogue that are located at the library they wish to collect from.
When placing an order, members can also specify their preferred format, such as Spoken Word, Large Print or items in the Welsh Language.
On submitting an order, members will be allocated a timeslot on a specified date to collect their items.
Library members should be aware of the following guidelines when using the Order and Collect service:
- The service is for collection only - you will not be permitted to enter the library.
- Queue only if you have an appointment to use the service.
- Aim to arrive no more than 10 minutes before your allocated timeslot.
- If you wish to order books but are unable to collect the items yourself, a friend or family member can do so by prior arrangement.
- You will need to provide your own bag/box when collecting your items.
- 2 metre social distancing must be observed during the collection process.
- Do not use the Order and Collect service if you or a member of your family is displaying COVID-19 symptoms.
Library members who wish to return items currently out on loan but who are not using the Order and Collect service can book an appointment to return those items by telephoning any of the libraries offering the Order and Collect service.
At the returns appointment, members will be asked to place items in to the container provided, with those items entering a 72 hour quarantine period, as per government advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can I only borrow six items from the Order and Collect service?
Q. Why can I only borrow six items from the Order and Collect service?
A. This is a brand new way of loaning library items, in unprecedented circumstances. We will monitor the level of demand and may be able to increase the number of items in the near future.
Q. If I can’t pick up my Order and Collect items in person, can I nominate someone else to do it for me?
A. Yes, you can nominate a friend or family member to collect items on your behalf. When you place your order, you will need to agree a password with library staff, that you will also give to the nominated person, so we can ensure we are giving your order to the correct person.