Library

Sandgate Library reopened for Click-and-Collect then browsing services in September, becoming one of the first libraries in Kent to do so post the first Covid lockdowns. Sandgate Library has continued to run Click-and-Collect services since November. We are delighted to announce that, assuming the current Government Covid re-opening schedule not change, we will reopen for browsing as of 12th April.

The numbers in the library will be limited, so until June there will be no clubs and events restarting. If a large number of users turn up you may be asked to wait until entering the library. However, we would expect waiting to be relatively rare and limited.

Sandgate Library will reopen for browsing from 9.30-12.30 on Monday 12th April. We will then be open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings 9.30-12.30.

Despite the national lockdown, Sandgate Library continues to offer a limited book “Select and Collect” pick up service.

Folkestone, Cheriton & Wood Avenue Libraries are at present all closed but it is possible for library members of any Kent library to make use of the Select and Collect service at Sandgate Library.

Sandgate Library is open for a Select and Collect service on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10.00-12.00. Collection by appointment only.

Please phone 07552 810271 Monday-Friday 10.00-12.00 (closed Weds) or email sandgate.Library@kent.gov.uk to place Select and Collect orders directly with library staff and to arrange a collection time and date.

Bookshelf browsing and use of computers and WiFi are currently unavailable until further notice.

Due to the national lockdown, Kent Libraries have made further changes to the service. Although you cannot enter our library buildings at the moment, from today (Monday 11 January) they will continue to provide:

• Select and Collect book bag pick-up service at several libraries (including Sandgate, Hythe, Ashford and Dover locally). You can order titles that are available at your chosen Select and Collect library for free. You can then pick up your bag of books at the doorway in a Covid-secure way, via pre-booked appointment. Find out more at www.kent.gov.uk/selectandcollect
• Reservation service for specific titles from the catalogue at a charge of 80p (for doorway collection at a Select and Collect library)
• Digital offers – including e-books, e-audio books, e-magazines, e-newspapers and the online reference library – are always available on their website
• Online learning resources and free access to a number of Cisco courses
• Ask a Kent Librarian support including 24/7 chat service – www.kent.gov.uk/askakentlibrarian
• Mobile libraries – which will continue the Select and Collect pick-up service
• Home Library delivery service to vulnerable customers
• Kent Archives will continue to offer a remote enquiry service while the search room is closed.

The Sandgate Parish Council Office will be closed from Christmas Eve (24/12/2020) to New Years Day (01/01/2021) inclusive. The office will reopen as usual from 4th January 2021. Emails and calls left in that time will be responded to as soon as possible on or after 4th January.

Sandgate Library will be closed from 24/12/2020 – 28/12/2020 inclusive and on New Years Day (01/01/21).  Click and Collect services will be available by appointment (call or email sandgate.library@kent.gov.uk or 07552 810271) on 29/12/2020 & 31/12/2020 & 2/1/2021 over the Christmas period.

From then on Sandgate Library will be open for Click and Collect every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday am until we hear further on reopening the Library for browsing from Kent County Council, subject ot Covide restrictions.

Sandgate Library will be closed from noon today (3/11/2020) for browsing until the end of “lockdown” on 3rd December.

However, alongside 12 other libraries in the County we are retaining our ‘click and collect’ service throughout the announced lockdown.

Please contact us during normal library opening hours on 07552 810271 or email us on Sandgate.library@kent.gov.uk to arrange for books and a collection on a Tuesday or Thursday morning.

We are delighted to announce that Sandgate Library is now open for browsing Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 9.30-12.00, and that  we will also continue to run the Click and Collect Service.

We were delighted that Sandgate Library re-opened on 7th September for a Click and Collect and Home Library Service only. As of today, we can also allow users to browse and select their own books, although numbers in the library at any time will be necessarily limited.

Chairman of Sandgate Parish Council, Tim Prater, said:

“It’s due to the dedicated work of our Clerk Gaye and volunteers that Sandgate was one of thirty three libraries across Kent to re-open, and the only library of our level. To be able to move, with Kent Libraries agreement, to a much more normal browsing service is, again, thanks to them.

“It has been been announced that the 66 Kent libraries that had not yet reopened this year will now remain closed until at least April. That’s a real blow to those areas, but our management of Sandgate Library has allowed us to dodge that fate.

“So please, come along and visit our library once again. The team may be wearing masks but will definitely be smiling under them.”

Numbers in the library at any one time will be strictly limited and wearing of masks, except for those with medical exemptions, is required. Track and Trace details will also be taken, and there is a Covid-19 app check-in QR code to scan. Staff will also be wearing appropriate PPE.

A Click-and-Collect loan service and Sandgate Home Library Service remains in place for those who want it or, because of age or disability, are unable to get to the library.

To book these services, borrowers call on the dedicated phone number 07552 810271 or by email to Sandgate.Library@kent.gov.uk.

Reading or listening choices can then be discussed with a member of staff, and arrangements made for a suitable time-slot when books will be available for collection or a Home Library Service delivery will take place.

Please note that Click-and-Collect & Home Library Service loans are for a maximum of 6 items per occasion and, for the time being, will be limited to the stock held within Sandgate Library.

In addition, there will be one WiFi area available at the front of the library, bookable via Netloan, but there will be no print facility for the present. Obviously, every effort will be made to ensure the safety of both staff and customers.

Sandgate Parish Council is delighted to announce that Sandgate Library will be re-opening on 7th September.

This is the result of discussions with Kent County Council and reflects the unique status of the library, which will be re-opening well in advance of similarly-sized libraries in the district.

At reopening, Sandgate Library’s opening hours will be from 9.30-12.00 Monday-Friday (closed on Wednesdays) and from 9.30-1.00pm on Saturdays.

In keeping with other Kent libraries which are re-opening, a Click-and-Collect loan service will be available, and – for Sandgate residents only – a Home Library Service for those who, because of age or disability, are unable to get to the library.

To book these services, borrowers will be able to contact the library from 1st September on the dedicated phone number 07552 810271 or by email to Sandgate.Library@kent.gov.uk.

Reading or listening choices can then be discussed with a member of staff, and arrangements made for a suitable time-slot when books will be available for collection or a Home Library Service delivery will take place.

Please note that Click-and-Collect & Home Library Service loans are for a maximum of 6 items per occasion and, for the time being, will be limited to the stock held within Sandgate Library.

In addition, there will be one WiFi area available at the front of the library, bookable via Netloan, but there will be no print facility for the present. Obviously, every effort will be made to ensure the safety of both staff and customers.

Only one Click-and-Collect user will be able to enter the library at a time and they will be expected to use the available hand sanitiser and to wear a mask. Staff will also be wearing appropriate PPE.

It is hoped that in the near future more access to stock and browsing may become available, but we would ask that you bear with us as we learn a new way of working and understand that we are trying to provide the best possible service.