Coronavirus update - Libraries
Libraries update
Due to new lockdown rules, from Thursday 5 November 2020, our library services will change as follows:
- Main library areas will not be available for browsing
- Public computers and self-study areas are closed
- You can reserve and collect items at Bath Central, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton libraries
- Return books through designated drop-boxes on the ground floor of Bath Central Library, and at the entrances of Keynsham and Midsomer Norton libraries
- Face coverings are required in our libraries, unless you have a special exemption, in line with the latest government guidance on face coverings
- The number of people entering the library at any one time will be limited
- Follow social distancing protocols and use the hand sanitisers provided
- Ring to reserve an item if you don't have access to the LibrariesWest website - call Council Connect on 01225 39 40 41 (select option 5) and tell our library staff which items (maximum of 10) you want to reserve and your library card number, and we will let you know when your items are ready to be collected.
All other library services remain suspended.
You can still access our e-Books, e-Audiobooks, and e-Magazines, and check out our social media for updates on what we are doing to deliver services to you. Visit our digital facilities and resources web page for more details.
Visit our blog or one of our social media channels:
Facebook: bathneslibraries
Instagram: bathnes_libraries
Twitter: BathnesL
You will need your PIN to log on to the CloudLibrary (for e-Books). If you don’t know your PIN or have forgotten it, go to 'Log In' on the LibrariesWest website, and then select ‘Forgot my PIN’ and you should receive an automated email (as long as you have a current email address on your library record).
If you don’t receive one after checking your junk/spam folder, email librarieswest@somerset.gov.uk, with your name and borrower number. If you receive an error message when you log on, your membership is probably incorrect or has expired, and so you will need to create a new account
To find reopening details for each of the independent community run libraries, you will need to check their individual website or Facebook page. You can find a your local community library on our website.
One Stop Shops - coronavirus lockdown service update
Due to new lockdown rules from Thursday 5 November 2020, our One Stop Shops are running a reduced service. Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.
The following services will be available at all One Stop Shops:
- Help with general enquiries
- Issue of Welfare Support Vouchers
- Self-service telephones (for access to council services, welfare support and Citizens Advice)
- Self-service payment kiosk (taking card payments only)
- Issue of Diamond Travel Cards (View full details on our website)
- Purchase of Garden Waste Sacks
- All other facilities and partner services suspended
In Bath only:
- Face-to-face police service (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm)
- You can buy a parking permit online, although support is available in Bath One Stop Shop if necessary
In Keynsham and Midsomer Norton only:
- Pre-booked Registrar appointments
The Hollies, High Street, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2DP
Opening hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 10am to 4pm |
| Saturday and Sunday | Closed |
What you can do
Self-service kiosks, computers and telephones are available, to enable you to access library and council services. Council staff can help to get you started, if you have trouble using these facilities.
- Pay for council services (such as Council Tax and garden waste subscriptions)
- Apply for council permits (such as bus passes and Discovery Cards)
- Access the Homesearch website
- View and comment on planning applications
- Contact council departments and external services
- Borrow, renew, or return library items
What's on at the library
Library groups and activities
| Group/Activity | Day and Time |
|---|---|
| Baby Bounce and Rhyme | 4th Wednesday of the month, 10:30am to 11am (term time only) |
| Reading group | 3rd Tuesday of the month (please ask librarian for further details) |
| Under Fives Storytime | Thursday 10am to 10.30am (Term time only) |
| Chatter Books | First Thursday of the month, 3:45pm to 4:45pm. (Reading group for children aged 7 to 11, with a mix of reading and activities, usually around a monthly theme. Register your interest with a member of staff or email chatter_booksbath@bathnes.gov.uk) |
Help and advice
| Service and provider | Day and time | Further information |
|---|---|---|
| Citizens Advice | Drop in service, Tuesday 9.30am to 2pm. Pre-booked appointments, Wednesday & Friday |
Help with money, legal and consumer problems Call 03448 487919 during opening hours to book an appointment
|
| Clean Slate | First Monday and third Friday of every month, 11:30am to 2:30pm |
Assistance to get back into employment Call 01225 302200 |
| Curo | Drop in service, Tuesday, 9.30am to 5pm |
Help and advice about social housing Call 01225 366000 |
| Future Bright | Drop in service, Monday, 10am to 12pm |
Helping local people develop their skills, increase their income and progress in their career. Call 01225 395555 |
| Reach
|
Drop in service, Tuesday 9:30am to 4.30pm |
Support to overcome homelessness, social isolation and dependence issues Call 01225 422156 or email info@dhireach.org.uk |
Council services
| Council service | Day and time | Further information |
|---|---|---|
| Council Tax | Self-service payments during Library opening times. Free self-service computers and telephones to contact the Council Tax team Monday-Friday. |
Help with Council Tax problems Call 01225 477777, Monday to Friday
|
| Business Rates | Drop in service, Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 10am to 3pm. |
Assistance with applying for Business Rates Call 01225 477777, Monday to Friday |
| Homesearch | Drop in service, Tuesday, 9.30am to 12:30pm | |
| Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support | Drop in service, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 10am to 3pm |
Help with Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support; Call 01225 477777, Monday to Friday |
| Private Rented Housing Workshop | Drop in service, Tuesday 1:30pm to 4pm |
Help with privately renting housing; Call 01225 396296 |
| Registration Service | Appointment service, Wednesday 9:30am to 4:20pm, Friday 9:30am to 3:40pm |
Registration Service appointments; Call 01225 477234 |
Other facilities
- Disabled access toilet with baby changing
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free computers
- Printing in colour and black and white (there are charges for this)
- Photocopier