All ten libraries in the borough will close from this evening
All ten in the borough shut their doors on 23 March last year but re-opened in July.
Since November’s lockdown a reduced “click and collect” system as been in operation which allowed users to pick up and drop off books as well as pre-book a computer.
From this evening these services will no longer be on offer, but there will still be ways to access services and materials online.
Damian White, leader of Havering Council, said: “As important as I know libraries are to the cultural life of our borough, borrowing a book is not an essential journey.
“We have very sadly taken the decision to close all of our library buildings due to the increasing number of cases in the borough. We are determined to do everything we can to protect residents and staff from this awful virus.”
The council’s communications officer Jack Wilson added: “Fines have been suspended since March 2020 so residents do not need to worry about late fees for books they still have at home.”
Some events will still take place via Zoom, including poetry and book groups on the first Wednesday of the month.
“Knit and knatter” and “baby bounce” sessions will run every Thursday.
The libraries website is also still running, with tens of thousands of e-books and digital available to download.
If you would like to donate an e-reader to someone who is not online, or to inquire about its delivery service, please contact alexis.wainwright@havering.gov.uk.
The libraries affected are Romford Central, Collier Row, Hornchurch, Elm Park, Harold Hill, Harold Wood, Rainham, South Hornchurch, Upminster and Gidea Park.
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Tags: Havering, Havering Council, Coronavirus, library, damian white, poetry
