Coronavirus Advice and Guidance
Libraries Re-opening
*Coronavirus Information Update*
All customers visiting our libraries for a pre-booked computer session must wear a face mask for the duration of their visit, in line with Welsh Government guidance.
Library Visits
The third phase of restarting the county’s library service will begin on Monday 28th September.
Libraries in Fishguard, Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock and Tenby will welcome customers back to browse their shelves in person for the first time since March.
Customers will be limited to a maximum of 30 minutes for their visit, to enable as many people as possible to safely enjoy the library.
Access to the libraries will be carefully managed, with the maximum number at any one time varying across each library depending on its size and layout.
Normal opening hours for each library will be in operation, with the exception of a lunchtime closure (1pm-2pm) at Fishguard, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock and Tenby.
To check the opening hours of your chosen library, go to pembrokeshire.gov.uk/libraries-and-culture.
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.
The Order and Collect service and public access to PCs for 1 hour pre-booked slots are still in operation, and customers can continue to book online or over the phone.
The introduction of an Order and Collect service has proved very popular since its launch in June, and it will now be extended to libraries in Narberth, Newport, Pembroke and Saundersfoot.
An announcement on when the Order and Collect service will be available at the four additional libraries will be made shortly.
For more information, please contact your local library.
Public Access PCs
Limited computer access is the second phase of restarting the county’s library service.
From Monday 17th August, libraries in Fishguard, Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock and Tenby will be accepting bookings.
To book your first session, customers must telephone one of the five libraries listed above.
After that, you can either continue to book by phone, or use the online booking form below:
Bookings will be on a first come, first served basis.
Customers will be limited to one 60-minute session per day, with no option to extend that time, but will be allowed to book up to a maximum of 3 sessions per week.
When using the public access PCs, customers must adhere to the following guidelines:
- Arrive no more than 10 minutes before your allocated timeslot.
- On arrival, you will be asked to sanitise your hands.
- 2 metre social distancing must be observed at all times.
- Printing is available - but only if you have the correct change.
- A protective face covering must be worn for the duration of your visit, in line with Welsh Government guidance.
- During your session you will not be allowed to access any other part of the library or its services.
- Do not use the public access PCs if you or a member of your family is displaying COVID-19 symptoms.
Order and Collect
The introduction of a new Order and Collect service is the first phase of restarting the county’s library service.
From Thursday 2nd July, libraries in Fishguard, Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock and Tenby will be accepting orders for the new 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 five libraries operating the service:
Fishguard Library and Tourist Information Centre (01437 776638)
Milford Haven Library and Information Centre (01437 771888)
Pembroke Dock Library (01437 775825)
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.
With more than 23,000 items currently out on loan across Pembrokeshire, users of the new service are also being encouraged to return any items they may have out on loan whilst collecting their new items.
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 five libraries offering the Order and Collect service, from Thursday 2nd July.
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?
If I am not a member of the library can I still use a computer?
What happens if I need help while visiting the library?
What are you doing to make sure that libraries are safe to visit?
How will you use my details for Track & Trace purposes?
Can I bring my children with me?
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.
Q. If I am not a member of the library can I still use a computer?
A. Yes. If you only want to use the computer once or twice, you will be able to access the computers as a Guest. For more regular use, you will need to join the library.
Q. Can I print and photocopy?
A. Yes. Staff will photocopy documents on your behalf. You must make sure that you bring plenty of coins/change with you, so you have the exact money available. We are unable to give change.
Current charges are:
A4 Black & White = 10p Colour = 30p
A3 Black & White = 20p Colour = 60p
Q. What happens if I need help while visiting the library?
A. Staff must adhere to the 2m social distancing rules and are therefore unable to offer any assistance. Anyone you bring to help you must stay with you at all times.
Q. What are you doing to make sure that libraries are safe to visit?
A. Following Welsh Government guidance, we have put in place measures to make sure that your visit is as safe as possible. These include:
- Introducing social distancing.
- Quarantining returned books.
- Provision of hand sanitiser.
- Cleaning computer workstations after use.
- Mandatory use of face coverings.
- Limiting the number of people allowed in the library at any one time.
Q. How will you use my details for Track & Trace purposes?
A. You will be asked for your contact details in case they are required by the Track, Trace & Protect team. Your personal information will be stored securely and will be destroyed after 21 days.
Please refer to the Privacy Notice for more details.
Q. Can I bring my children with me?
A. Yes, as long as you stay together at all times as a family bubble. We have put some measures in place in the Children’s Area to keep everyone safe, so there may be some changes for you to follow during your visit.