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Community / Library to partially close to allow staff to move building

St Ringan's when it housed Shetland Library. Photo: SIC

THE MAIN public library building in Lerwick is likely to be closed for much of October as staff begin the move into the ‘new’ library at Lower Hillhead.

The main library will close from Monday 4 October and it is hoped that a service will reopen in the new building by 1 November.

The adjacent learning centre will stay open during the move to maintain public computer access and support.

The former library across the road from the current one has been refurbished over the last number of months. It will house more books and allow staff to operate under one roof.

Customers may request books for collection at the learning centre during the closure but with all stock being moved and most staff working on the move, fulfilling requests will be slower than normal.  

Anyone requiring books before the temporary closure of the public library should ensure they visit by Saturday 2 October.

Customers can also phone or email to ask for a bag of books to be made ready for them to pick up.

Books may be returned in the 24-hour returns point outside the library during the closure.

Home deliveries of books are being suspended until after the move, and staff are giving all delivery customers the chance to get extra books ahead of this.

Customers in Unst and Yell can continue to borrow and return books at Baltasound and Mid Yell during the community library opening hours.

Bookbug sessions at the public library will cease during the closure, but staff will continue doing Bookbug storytimes at Mareel on Thursday mornings.

Shetland Library’s free e-services will continue to be available during the move, including online newspapers, magazines, comics, books and audiobooks.

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