Frequently Asked Questions
Please find frequently asked questions and answers below.
If you have a question that is not listed, please contact us.
COVID19 Safety Measures
What safety measures are in place in libraries?
- Social Distancing with signs, markers and staff to support this – please note there may be queues at some libraries
- Layout changes and one-way systems to support social distancing
- Restrictions on the numbers of people in a library building
- Staff hygiene and minimal handling of stock when selecting items
- Increased cleaning regimes for equipment used
- Installation of Perspex screens at library counters
- NHS “Track and Trace” recording
- Measures introduced to reduce cash handling
- Items of stock will be quarantined for 72 hours on their return. Because of this items will remain on your library account for at least an additional 3 days after you have returned them and you will not incur fines for this.
- Wearing face coverings will be mandatory in libraries for customers and staff (exemptions apply).
- All sites have been risk assessed and are Covid 19 secure.
Visiting the library
Can I visit the library?
Libraries are closed for public use, however, during the lockdown restrictions, libraries continue to offer:
I am unable to visit the library. What services can I use from home?
We have a range of online services including e-books, e-audiobooks and e-magazines, online reference resources and enquiry services. For more information please see Accessing library services from home
When will the library be open?
Due to lockdown restrictions libraries will only offer collection services and essential computer and print access only.
Library opening times are listed on each individual library's page. For a full list of libraries, click on Library Locations and opening hours then select the name of library you wish to use.
Can I join and become a new member of the library?
Yes, it is easiest to join online if you can. Please verify your account by clicking the link in the email you receive to confirm your registration. You can use the online library without having to collect a membership card from a library.
Collection Services
What will happen when I come to collect my items?
For Council run libraries:
When the item you requested is available for collection you will receive an email notification. You can make an appointment to visit the library and collect your items during advertised collection slots. The email contains a link to the booking service.
At a Collection services session a small number of other customers may have also chosen that slot so there may be a small queue to collect items but social distancing and queuing will be in place and clearly marked. A staff member will ask for your name and library membership number and you will be passed your items. Please bring a bag or container with you. The items you are given have been handled by staff but staff will regularly wash hands and handling of stock is kept to a minimum.
For Community Libraries please contact individual libraries:
Minchinhampton Community Library
Fines, Renewals and Returning books
Item loan dates will be extended and additional fines will not be incurred during the Lockdown Period
In order to adhere to Government guidance, only visit the library to return items if you are already making an essential visit to the library.
Can I return books to any library or does it have to be the library I borrowed from?
You can return books to any Gloucestershire Library. Most libraries (apart from Gloucester, Up Hatherley, Hesters Way, Bourton on the Water and Winchcombe) have drop boxes to return items can be returned when the library is closed.
Computers
Due to lockdown restrictions, use of library computers is for essential use only. For more information please click on: Book a computer
For computers information at Community Libraries please see individual websites:
Local studies
Can I use the Local Studies Library in Cheltenham?
The building where Local Studies is based is closed. However, we are offering an online service for any local history enquiries. Please email your enquiry to:
We also have lots of online resources on the Virtual Reference Library, including Ancestry, which you can access as part of your library membership. Some of these services you can access from home using your Library card number and pin. For more information please see the following web page:
Can I join the library?
Yes, it is easiest to join online if you can. Please verify your account by clicking the link in the email you receive to confirm your registration. You can use the online library without having to collect a membership card from a library.
Suspended Services
Can I apply for a Concessionary Bus Pass?
This service is currently suspended in libraries. Please contact the Bus Pass unit for advice:
Bus Passes (ITU) (buspasses@gloucestershire.gov.uk)
01452 426265
Can I donate some books to the library?
We are currently unable to accept any donations. With COVID measures in place we do not currently have the capacity to store, sort and catalogue donated items. Apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.
Which other services are suspended?
All groups are suspended.
Browsing and access to library services except collection services
Computer buddy volunteers are suspended.
IT support from Library staff will be limited due to social distancing.