Our two central libraries will be reopening in early August.
Jubilee Library will open from Monday 10 August, with Hove Library following on Wednesday 12 August.
Both will be offering reduced services with changed opening hours to make sure we can comply with physical distancing and keep people safe.
Jubilee Library will open from 10am to 5pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, and from 11am to 5pm on Sunday.
Hove Library will open from 10am to 5pm on Wednesday and Friday.
We’ll be reopening ‘Libraries Extra’ services in Coldean, Hangleton, Moulsecoomb, Portslade, Rottingdean, Saltdean, Whitehawk and Woodingdean from Monday 24 August.
Unfortunately, we’re not able to reopen the other community libraries or staffed services quite yet but are keeping this under review.
New ‘Order & Collect’ service
As part of the reopening, we’re introducing a new service allowing you to order books from a selection online.
Books can then be collected from Jubilee and Hove libraries at your convenience within the following two weeks.
The ordering option will be available on our library webpages from 10 August.
You will also be able to order books by emailing libraries@brighton-hove.gov.uk or calling 01273 290800.
Sign up for Libraries Extra
All library members can use the open libraries. New members will be able to sign-up in Jubilee Library and Hove Library, as well as join the library using our online form.
If you’d like to start using the Libraries Extra service in the community libraries from 24 August, you can upgrade your library card now.
This is a free upgrade and can be done by emailing libraries@brighton-hove.gov.uk or calling 01273 290800.
All new members will automatically be sent a Libraries Extra membership card.
Children and young people under 16 need to be accompanied by someone 16 or over to use a library under Libraries Extra.
Covid-secure measures
Visitors to Jubilee and Hove libraries will be able to borrow books using self-service facilities.
Unfortunately, a technical problem means we won't be able to offer use of the library computers when the libraries open. We're sorry about that and are working to fix the issue as soon as possible.
As the number of people who can be safely accommodated in the libraries is limited, we’re introducing queuing systems and changing the entrance and exit routes.
Face coverings will be required inside the buildings, apart from people who are exempt. Exemptions include children under 11, people with disabilities or breathing difficulties, and those with people who rely on lip reading.
We’re also asking for general visits to be kept to a maximum of 15 minutes.
Once available, use of the library computers will be limited to an hour, or two hours for concessions. Everyone using computers will be asked to clean them before and after use with wipes provided.
Book returns will be to boxes as you enter – please have them ready to drop-off before you go in.
Books are being quarantined for four days before being checked back in, so will be on your account for a short time after you’ve dropped them off.
All current book loans have been automatically extended to Sunday 6 September 2020.
A vital resource for the city
Councillor Clare Rainey, deputy chair of the Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture Committee said:
“It’s great that we’re able to reopen facilities in our two central libraries. The city’s libraries are a vital resource for many residents, even with reduced services.
“It’s quick and easy to join and all members can use the open libraries, including free use of the computers.
“It has been a big task to set the libraries up so they can reopen safely. We are having the limit the time spent inside to make sure as many people as possible can benefit, so please bear with us.
“We’ll be reopening Libraries Extra facilities in nine community libraries at the end of the month, so I’d encourage everyone who hasn’t used the service yet to upgrade their membership now.
“We’re keeping our other libraries under review and will reopen them as soon we can do safely.
“I’d also like to thank all the library staff for their work supporting the city’s Covid-19 response while the libraries have been closed.”
Take advantage of our digital services
There are many more Library eServices that you can enjoy for free. eBooks, eAudiobooks, eNewpapers, eMagazines, eComics and online activities for families.
Loans of online books and audio items from Brighton & Hove libraries increased by 120% between April and June.
The number of e-magazines borrowed was even higher, up by 154% compared with the same three-month period last year.
Visit our libraries webpages to find out more.
You can also email libraries@brighton-hove.gov.uk or phone 01273 290800.
