Order and collect launches at Elgin library

The service is being trialled with the view to rolling it out to other Moray libraries if it’s successful.

Since lockdown in March, Moray’s library service has seen a huge surge in demand for its online books, with average monthly loans more than doubling to over 1,500. New borrowers signed up to the online service has also rocketed, with borrowers between April – July already equalling the total for all of last year.

As the council moves closer to the re-opening of libraries, the resumption of services will be phased in over a period and based on Scottish Government guidance. This is to protect the safety of library customers and council staff.

Using the ‘order and collect’ service, from tomorrow customers will be able to place orders for books and other materials online, or by phoning 01343 562600, with collection slots available from Monday. Items will be quarantined for 72 hours before being handed to customers, who will receive a timeslot to collect their orders from the library entrance. Only customers with a collection slot booked should come to the library, at their scheduled time. Access will not be granted to other customers.

Principal Librarian, Rona Stephen, said she is pleased to be able to offer this new service to Moray residents.

“We know that during lockdown many turned to the internet for reading materials. However, being able to provide this order and collect service means that our customers who don’t have online access, or have missed the simple pleasure of holding a book in their hands, will be able to enjoy our services again.

“With staff physically distancing, minimal contact between staff and customers, and quarantining of materials, we’re doing everything we can to keep colleagues and the public safe.

“We hope that the next stages of re-opening will allow customers to come back into their library for pre-booked appointments to browse, but meantime we’re thrilled to be partially resuming a service we know is so valued by residents.”