Select and Collect libraries pilot service includes Morpeth

The Select and Collect initiative is now available at four libraries in Northumberland.

The Select and Collect initiative is now available at Morpeth, Berwick, Blyth and Hexham as part of the phased approach to library services getting back up and running.

Members can telephone one of these libraries – the number for Morpeth Library is 01670 620391 – and arrange a collection date for titles selected for them.

They can also request a date via mylibrary.co.uk by filling a form in. At this stage, all other council services at these libraries, such as customer services, are not yet available.

The books requested will then be selected and available for collection at the specified date and time from the library entrance. If a specific book is requested and is not available, staff will select a similar title.

Any returned books will need to be placed in a box at the entrance of each library and will be quarantined for 72 hours.

The service is available for all books, including children’s books. However, only one adult will be admitted per collection.

Cath Homer, the cabinet member for libraries at Northumberland County Council, said: “This is the first tentative step to being able to offer a physical library service.

“At this stage we are only offering Select and Collect at these four libraries, but we hope to be able to extend the service to other libraries in the coming weeks.

“We know customers will be keen to use the service and we want to reassure everyone that all steps have been taken to ensure the safety of our members, as well as our staff.”

The digital library continues to offer all library members the opportunity to read a wide range of books, magazines and newspapers online via the BorrowBox library.

Doorstep deliveries will also continue to offer a service for those members who are still shielding or vulnerable.

This year’s Summer Reading Challenge has been moved online, with a host of activities and competitions.

The mylibrary.co.uk website is also the place to go for more information about the challenge and to access the digital BorrowBox library.