Blackburn with Darwen Libraries: 

lockdown update 5th Nov 2020

The Government has announced that many shops and services will have to close again from 5th November until national Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.  Unfortunately this means that we will have to close our doors to the public, but we have looked carefully at the safety guidance and will be able to keep the following services running.

Call and Collect from Blackburn Library and Darwen Library
Although you won’t be able to enter our buildings, if you let us know what you’d like to read we’ll do the browsing and picking for you to collect from our door at an agreed time.  If you’re not sure what you’d like, we can choose for you based on your areas of interest, or you can browse the online library catalogue for inspiration at www.bwdlibraries.spydus.co.uk.

Simply phone (01254) 661221, or email library@blackburn.gov.uk to let us know what you want, and which library you want to collect from.  Please note that this service must be booked in advance.  On the agreed day, we will phone you to confirm that the pick-up can go ahead.  Access to Blackburn Library will be via the side entrance on Northgate during lockdown.

Returns

Returns can be made to Blackburn Library at any time by using the 24/7 returns box by the Northgate entrance.  Returns to Darwen Library can be made on Mondays from 10 am – 1 pm, Wednesdays and Thursdays 1 – 4 pm, Fridays 10 am – 1 pm and Saturdays from 10 am – 2 pm.

Digital library services

Don’t forget that you can access our eBooks, eAudioand eMagazines from the comfort of your own home at any time but especially during lockdown.  Simply download the free BorrowBox app for eBooks and eMagazines, and the RBDigital app for eMagazines, enter your library card number and PIN and away you go.  You can also access these services from our website www.blackburn.gov.uk/library

Emergency computer access – Blackburn Library only

We will be able to offer limited computer access for those members of the public who struggle to access digital services from home.  Please note that this shouldbe booked in advance on (01254) 661221, and time will be limited to 45 minute slots.  Unfortunately printing services won’t be available during lockdown.  Please help us to make sure this service is available for those who really need it, by only booking for urgent tasks. Access to Blackburn Library will be via the side entrance on Northgate during lockdown.

 

Home delivery service

For those customers who are already signed up to our home delivery service, this will carry on as usual.  If you are not already signed up, but think that you might be eligible for this service, please contact our team on (01254) 661221 to discuss your requirements and they’llbe happy to add you subject to availability.

Digital story times and other activities

We will continue to post story times to our library Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as occasional links to author events, puzzles and other items that we think will interest you.  Please follow us at www.facebook.com/BlackburnwithDarwenLibraries or www.twitter.com/BwDLibraries for more details.

Community libraries

Unfortunately Cherry Tree Library will close during this new lockdown period, and Mill Hill and Roman Road Libraries will remain closed.  We look forward to welcoming you back to these libraries just as soon as we’re able to do so.