The charitable trust has been working hard to innovatively adapt its services for operation post lockdown by launching a brand new ‘click and collect’ service and the reopening of one of the most loved buildings in the City, the AK Bell Library

Following Scottish Government announcements on Lockdown easing, Culture Perth and Kinross is delighted to start a phased reopening of some key services.

Services will be reintroduced as a phased return to ensure Culture Perth and Kinross can comply with all the requirements of social distancing and provide safe environments for visiting.

From 15 July, library members can access a new Click and Collect service for library books; this will initially operate from AK Bell Library.

The innovative new contact-free Click and Collect service will enable library members to either choose and reserve books from Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries online catalogue. The service will initially operate from the AK Bell Library and reservations to the service can be made from 15 July with collections available from 21 July.

For members who are not online, requests for books can also be made by calling the library service on 01738 444949 or by email at [email protected]

Reserved books will be available to pick up every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 21 July between the hours of 10am and 4pm at the AK Bell Library West Car Park. Customers can also use this service to return any library books they have looked after during lockdown.

From Saturday 18 July, the AK Bell Library will reopen for lending services only initially. To ensure the library is a safe environment for staff as well as visitors there are some changes in place including limits on the numbers of people coming into the building at any one-time, social distancing guidance and the introduction of hand sanitising units. Books will be quarantined for three days when they are returned before they are added back into circulation. Customers will be required to wear a mask for their visit.

The AK Bell will be operating with new temporary opening hours, 10am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday with a late night opening 5.30pm – 8.30pm every Thursday. Lunchtime closure during the new opening hours will enable the library to maintain a rigorous cleaning regime, ensuring the AK Bell is a safe and clean venue for all.

Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries will also be phasing in additional library locations and services, including a return of computer access, research and study facilities over the coming weeks.

Culture Perth and Kinross Libraries will continue to provide their digital service. This include the option to download eBooks, audiobooks, digital magazines and newspapers online. During lockdown, there were more than 12,500 eBooks and audiobooks downloaded.

Over the coming months, Culture Perth and Kinross will also be launching a programme of online events, talks and workshops, and providing increased access to collections material and learning resources.

Charles Kinnoull, Chair of Culture Perth and Kinross said: “I would like to thank all our staff and volunteers who have put in huge efforts to maintain our digital services during lockdown and plan for our return. We are thrilled to be able to start to open up again and welcome our communities back to some of our key venues. We have been overwhelmed by the support we received when closed and wish to thank everyone for their kindness. We ask too for your continued understanding and co-operation as we navigate a new world of social distancing and safety guidance to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all. We hope these first steps towards a return are a boost for the City and the wider region”

Helen Smout, Chief Executive added, “Everyone at Culture Perth and Kinross has been working hard to make sure we can provide services in new and more flexible ways to make them as accessible as possible. We are focusing on reopening our larger venues for now as these have the space to make social distancing manageable and can be adapted to operate within the new Scottish Government and public health guidance. We will be phasing in a reopening of other libraries over the coming months and in the meantime our new Click and Collect service will be rolled out to help customers access the books we know they have been missing. We are beyond excited to welcome our first visitors and are doing everything we can to make sure their visit is as familiar and enjoyable as always.”

Perth & Kinross Council’s Head of Culture and Community Services, Fiona Robertson, said: “We know people in Perth and Kinross love reading and have really missed being able to visit our libraries, so I’m delighted that Culture Perth and Kinross is finding innovative ways to offer their services. Libraries and museum services are at the heart of our communities and the Council will continue to support Culture Perth and Kinross, as it has done throughout the Coronavirus emergency, to make sure these vital services can reopen safely.”

For details of the phased reopening of services, please visit the website at https://www.culturepk.org.uk/libraries/ak-bell-library-reopening/, telephone the AK Bell Library on 01738 444949 or email [email protected]