Library services available during COVID-19
From 12 April, our libraries are open to the public again! We still have arrangements to keep people Covid secure in place, and some services are limited. Please follow the links to find out more about what is on offer.
Libraries opening hours from 12 April 2021
Jubilee Library is open from 10am to 5pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and from 11am to 5pm on Sunday
Hove Library is open from 10am to 5pm on Wednesday and Friday
Ten community libraries are open with a mixture of staffed days and Libraries Extra access.
- Staffed days at community libraries are 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and 9.30am to 5pm Saturday. (Libraries Extra over lunch 1pm to 2pm)
- Libraries Extra hours are 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5pm Saturday, and 11am to 5pm Sunday. Children and young people under 16 years old need to be accompanied to use a library during Libraries Extra hours.
Coldean Library
Staffed: Friday 9am to 5pm
Libraries Extra: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday Sunday
Closed on Wednesday to operate Home Delivery Services
Hangleton Library
Staffed: Thursday and Friday 9am to 5pm; Saturday 9.30am to 5pm
Libraries Extra: Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday
Closed on Monday to operate Home Delivery Services
Moulsecoomb Library
Staffed: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9am to 5pm
Libraries Extra: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Patcham Library
Staffed: Friday 9am to 5pm; Saturday 9.30am to 5pm
Closed: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, as no Libraries Extra currently available.
Portslade Library
Staffed: Thursday and Friday 9am to 5pm; Saturday 9.30am to 5pm
Libraries Extra: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday
Rottingdean Library
Staffed: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9am to 5pm
Libraries Extra: Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Saltdean Library
Staffed: Friday 9am to 5pm; Saturday 9.30am to 5pm
Libraries Extra: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday
Whitehawk Library
Staffed: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9am to 5pm;
Libraries Extra: Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Closed on Sunday
Westdene Library
Staffed: Tuesday 9am to 5pm
Libraries Extra: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday
Woodingdean Library
Staffed: Thursday and Friday 9am to 5pm; Saturday 9.30am to 5pm
Libraries Extra: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday
Libraries currently closed: Hollingbury Old Boat Corner Library will be open later this month, and Mile Oak Library remains closed for the time being.
Keeping library users safe
Covid secure arrangements are still in place for libraries:
- to help with physical distancing, we’re asking borrowers to keep their general visits to a maximum of 15 minutes
- you must wear a face covering over your nose and mouth when inside the buildings unless you're exempt
- use of the library computers and study tables are limited to maximum of 2 hours. We ask you to clean them before and after use with the wipes provided
What's available in libraries
Library members can borrow books using self-service facilities and book to use the library computers and study tables. We’re now issuing all books for 6 weeks, instead of the 9 weeks that was in place for most of the pandemic.
Returning books
In Jubilee and Hove Libraries, please use the boxes that you see on your way into the library. Books are quarantined for 72 hours before being checked back in, so will stay on your account for a short time after you’ve dropped them off.
In community libraries, please use the self-service kiosks when you return your books and put them in the boxes provided. Books are quarantined for 72 hours before being shelved, and we ask other library members not to take any stock from the boxes to reduce risk of infection.
Booking Library PCs
PCs are available for individual use by library members and should be booked in advance for a maximum of one hour, or two hours for concessionary members. We are limiting the numbers of PCs available to maintain physical distancing.
All library users must always wear a face covering over their nose and mouth unless exempt. PCs can be booked by calling 01273 290 800, or via a library computer.
Booking library tables
Tables are available for library members and should be booked in advance for a maximum 2 hours. Numbers of tables are limited to maintain physical distancing, so are for individual use only unless by arrangement for one of the following exceptions (please see any member of staff):
- child 0 to 8 years must be accompanied by a parent or carer
- child 9 to 15 years can be accompanied by a parent or carer
- additional children can join a child and parent or carer if they are from the same family or childcare bubble
- child, young person, or adult can be accompanied by a tutor for formal education or training purposes
- child, young person or adult with special educational needs or a disability can be accompanied by a carer or support worker
There are sockets available for you to plug in your own devices. All library users must wear a face covering over their nose and mouth at all times unless exempt.
Order and collect
Our temporary free order and collect service is now available. Library staff will choose a selection of books from the stock of your chosen library on the subject or genre you've chosen.
Please select from the libraries available when you put in your request.
You can then collect your books from your local library within two weeks of us letting you know your books are ready.
You can use the order and collect service online or you can phone 01273 290 800.
Reservation service
Our reservation service is available to anyone who'd like to request a specific title from Brighton & Hove Libraries stock, with usual reservation charges applying.
Unfortunately, we're not currently able to supply inter-library loans from outside Brighton & Hove.
Libraries digital services
Our digital services continue to be available. There are many eBooks, eAudiobooks, eNewpapers, eMagazines, eComics and online activities for families you can enjoy for free.
Staff are available to answer your questions. You can send an email to libraries@brighton-hove.gov.uk or phone 01273 290 800.
Home delivery service
If you need to stay at home due to a health condition or are caring for someone who does, our library service can help through the home delivery service.
If you’d like books delivered to your door, phone 01273 290 800 or send an email to libraries@brighton-hove.gov.uk to let us know you're interested in the home delivery service.
Delivery of book boxes to residential homes are also available.
Join the library or upgrade to Libraries Extra – it’s free!
All library members can use any library. New members can join at any library or join the library online.
If you’d like to start using the Libraries Extra service you can upgrade your library card remotely.
This is a free upgrade and you can do it by sending an email to libraries@brighton-hove.gov.uk or phone 01273 290 800.
You need to be 16 years old or over to have a Libraries Extra card. All new adult members will automatically be sent a Libraries Extra membership card.
Children and young people under 16 years old need to be accompanied to use a library during Libraries Extra hours.