Library services available during COVID-19

Library services from 6 September 2021

Longer opening hours

Community Libraries are now open until 7pm on most Libraries Extra days.

Library Extra opening hours (all libraries except Whitehawk Library):

  • Monday to Thursday - close at 7pm
  • Friday, Saturdays and Sundays - close at 5pm

Whitehawk Library Extra opening hours:

  • Monday to Thursday - close at 6pm
  • Saturday - close at 4pm

We hope to reopen Mile Oak library in October.  

Find the community library opening times.

Jubilee and Hove libraries opening hours haven't changed.

Jubilee Library is open:

  • Monday to Saturday - 10am to 5pm
  • Sunday - 11am to 5pm

Hove Library is open:

  • Monday to Saturday - 10am to 5pm
  • Sunday - closed

We ask that library users continue to follow the Covid-19 safety measures to protect other library users and our staff.

Do not enter the library if you have any symptoms of COVID-19. If you do have any symptoms, you must self-isolate immediately and book a coronavirus test online or phone 119.

Keep library users safe

To help reduce the risk of infection, please:

  • maintain physical distancing of at least one or two metres
  • wear a face covering over your nose and mouth when inside the building - this includes when you're using a computer or table
  • scan the Test and Trace QR code when you arrive, or give your contact details to the member of staff on duty 
  • when using library computers, study tables and chairs, please clean them before and after you've used them 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. All loan periods have returned to normal.

Newspapers and magazines are not available yet due to the limited space available. This may change in the future.

How to return books

Returned items no longer need to be quarantined. Please use the self-service kiosks inside the libraries to return all your library books and other items. You can then place them in the returns bin or on the shelves next to the kiosks.

How to booking a library computer

You can use the computers in the libraries. You'll need to book them in advance for a maximum of one hour (two hours for concessions). To book a computer phone 01273 290 800, or book via a library computer. We advise you to wear a face covering over your nose and mouth when you're sat down, unless you're exempt from wearing one.

Library tables  

A limited number of tables and chairs are available, and they're spaced out to maintain physical distancing. There are sockets to plug in your own devices. We advise you to wear a face covering over your nose and mouth, unless you're exempt from wearing one.

Reservation service

Find out more about our reservations, inter-library loan services, and requests for loans from the SELMS consortium of libraries. These services are all now available and the usual fees apply.

Room hire and exhibitions

Conferencing and exhibition and room hire now available in some libraries.

Libraries digital services

Our digital services are still available. You can find out more about our library digital services. 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 you're 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 Libraries Extra at any library or 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.