On government advice, we had to close all our libraries from 5th November – 2nd December and we have extended the due dates for all items on loan until 11 January 2021. However, the regulations around closure have been published and there are certain exemptions and services that our libraries will be able to offer during this period. Government advice is very clear about staying away from public transport but if you can walk or cycle to our libraries, we shall be offering the following services from Monday 9th November:

Select and Collect

It’s simple! Have a look at our catalogue. https://col.ent.sirsidynix.net.uk/client/en_GB/default/

 If any book is showing as being on the shelves in any of our libraries, you can phone during opening hours or email us, we will find it for you, issue it to your ticket and tell you when you can collect it. You can request up to 12 books, but don’t forget you will have to carry them home! Please contact the library from which you intend to collect your item(s). Tell us exactly what you want (authors, titles or genres), give us your name, your membership number and a contact telephone number and we will be in touch. You can bring any items you wish to return with you and please, bring a bag for your books. At Barbican Library, we will operate this service from the rear of the library, opposite Shakespeare Tower. Staff will give you directions when they confirm your books are ready for collection. At Shoe Lane and Artizan Street, staff will meet you at the main entrance.

Essential PC use – Shoe Lane and Artizan Street only

If you need to get online, our public computers at Shoe Lane and Artizan Street Libraries will be available Mon-Fri for 1 hour slots during the library opening hours (see below). To avoid disappointment, we strongly advise that you phone ahead and book a session. We cannot allow anybody to wait in the library until one is free and we need 15 minutes between bookings to clean the equipment. We regret that as the Barbican Centre is closed to the public throughout this period, we cannot offer this service at Barbican Library.

Don’t forget our eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eComics. They can be downloaded to your own devices using the RBdigital app, and are available 24/7. During this time, staff will still continue to run virtual clubs, groups, talk and children’s activities. Please check our website;(www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/services/libraries) and social media pages for details.

Barbican Library
Phone: 020 7638 0569
Email: barbicanlib@cityoflondon.gov.uk
Hours of operation 11.00 – 3.30 Monday - Friday

Shoe Lane Library
Phone: 020 7583 7178
Email: shoelane@cityoflondon.gov.uk
Hours of operation: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 11am-4pm
Tuesday: 12pm-6.30pm

Artizan Street Library
Phone: 020 7332 3810
Email: artizanlib@cityoflondon.gov.uk
Hours of operation: Tuesday-Friday: 11am-4pm
Monday: 12pm-6.30pm

We hope you all stay safe and well

Carol Boswarthack
Head of Barbican and Community Libraries