Frequently Asked Questions about Blackfen Community Library reopening

Blackfen Community Library is delighted that the government has announced that libraries will be able to open – with social distancing measures in place – from 4 July. In line with this we will be open from 10am on Tuesday 7 July. From that date we will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10am to 3pm. We look forward to welcoming you back soon

We have created a handy frequently asked questions, below, to help but if you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us by emailing [email protected] or calling 020 8301 1433.

Frequently Asked Questions
In line with government guidelines, please do not come to the Library – or leave home – if you or someone you live with has any of the following:
• a high temperature
• a new, continuous cough
• a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste.

For the safety of everyone, there will be special hygiene and distancing measures in the Library which you must follow.

We are required to record personal information for everyone who enters the library to assist with contact tracing, if needed. Upon entry to the library a member of the team will give you a short form to complete with the date, time of your arrival, your name and phone number. When you leave, a member of the team will record the time of your departure. This information will be held securely for 21 days then destroyed.

What will entry to Blackfen Community Library be like?
There will be a socially distanced queue, if required, with markers on the floor where you will have to wait your turn to enter the library. One person will enter or exit the library at any time. A member of the library team will be on hand to help ensure special measures are adhered to. Staff will also advise visitors to use the hand sanitizer as they enter the building.

What can I expect from a visit to Blackfen Community Library?
In essence, at the moment, the library is open as a book return and borrow service. You can use the photocopy and printing services along with limited computer time.

How long can I spend in the library?
We have a maximum visit time of 30 minutes. However, this may be reduced if there is a queue to enter the library.

How many people will be allowed in the library?
Capacity will be limited to 10 visitors at any one time. If there are queues to enter the library, time limits may be required.

What hygiene measure are being put in place?
All surfaces including counters, door handles, door plates and so on will be cleaned regularly using antibacterial wipes/spray.

What hygiene measures are being put in place for the books?
Returned books to be placed in a box and left for 72 hours before reshelving.

How do I check the availability of books?
Availability of books can be checked by logging into https://www.readingcloud.net/ and using the search feature. If you don’t know how to log in our quick guide will help. Please note that when a book is returned to us, we will leave it in quarantine for 72 hours.

How do I see if a book is available?
Once you have logged on to www.readingcloud.net, use the search function for whichever book title or author you would like. Once you have found a book you are interested in, take a look under the book’s image and you will see three small circles (green, red, and blue). The blue circle shows the total number of copies we have at the library and the green circle shows how many of those we have available at the moment.

How many books can I borrow?
You can borrow up to your card limit (10).

Will I be able to sit and read my book?
Unfortunately, all seating and tables have been removed to reduce risk to visitors.

Will I be able to use the toilet?
Toilets will be closed except for emergency use.

Will baby changing facilities be available?
Baby changing facilities will not be available under any circumstance.

Will I be able to use the computer?
There will be two Public Network PCs available. Visitors will be able to use the computer for 20 minutes at the discretion of the library.

After each use, computers will be sanitized with antibacterial wipes.

Will Rooted Coffee House be open?
Rooted Coffee House will be closed when we first open. We will be reviewing this as we know how the reopening is working. We will also ask customers for feedback.

Will groups, activities and events be available?
For the foreseeable future, all groups, activities and events will remain cancelled. We are regularly reviewing this, in line with government guidelines. We will share updates on opening and services on our website and social media channels.

Are children allowed to visit the library?
Children are welcome but must stay with their adults at all time.

Is the children’s library and area open?
The children’s library is open for browsing and selecting books to borrow. The children’s play area is not open and all tables and chairs have been removed.

Will you accept cash for any payments?
We will not accept any cash. Payment will be by contactless card only. Visitors will be required to use the card machine at a two-metre distance from the member of team serving you.

Will I have to pay a fine for the books I have had on loan?
All fines were suspended during the period that Blackfen Community Library has been closed.

How quickly do I need to return my books?
You have one month – until 7 August – to return your books. If you are unable to get to the library you can make use of our book delivery and collection service. Alternatively you can email us at [email protected] or call us on 020 8301 1433 to renew the books you have on hire.

When will Blackfen Community Library open more?
Initially we will open two days per week – Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am – 3pm. We will be regularly reassessing how this is working. We hope to open on more days in due course. We will share updates on opening and services on our website and social media channels.

Contact Us
If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact us by emailing us at [email protected] or calling us on 020 8301 1433.