Connect & Collect service to launch in Fife libraries

Fife’s libraries are preparing to open to the public again from Wednesday, July 15 with a special Connect and Collect service.
OnFife launches Connect and Collect from 22 library branches in Fife from July 15.OnFife launches Connect and Collect from 22 library branches in Fife from July 15.
OnFife launches Connect and Collect from 22 library branches in Fife from July 15.

Fife’s libraries are preparing to open to the public again from Wednesday, July 15 with a special Connect and Collect service.

ONFife will initially be reopening 24 of its libraries – that’s three quarters of its branches – over a short transition period in line with Scottish Government guidance.

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This week the home delivery service for housebound library members resumed, but the launch of Connect and Collect is the first big step back to a new normal in the Kingdom’s libraries, enabling members to return and collect books.

The service means members can ‘connect’ online or call their nearest branch to have a selection of up to ten books put together that they can then collect from the library door.

For now, requests for specific titles cannot be taken, but instead it’s a ‘lucky dip’ - customers share their reading tastes and staff will match them up with a great selection of books.

Michelle Sweeney, director of creative development and delivery, said: “This is a massive achievement for our teams to be able to start offering a service to library members from three-quarters of our branches and it follows months of very complex planning to make sure staff and customers are safe and confident.

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“We know what libraries mean to customers and how much they’ve been missed.

“We launched a survey with members at the weekend so that they can help shape how services are rolled out and within days we have had more than 3000 responses, with lots of positive and encouraging messages.”  

The next stage of re-opening, when members will be able to enter the buildings for limited browsing and to use PCs, is expected in early August and then full public access, but with a limited service, is expected in September.

The full list of branches offering the Connect and Collect service to members from next week are: Kirkcaldy Galleries, Cardenden, Lochgelly, Burntisland, Templehall, Rothes Halls, Cupar, Ladybank, Dalgety Bay, Rosyth, Dunfermline Carnegie, Cowdenbeath, St Andrews, Buckhaven, Kennoway, Newport, Duloch, Oakley, Cadham, Leslie, St Monans, Tayport, Methil and Newburgh.

Find out more at www.onfife.com/connectandcollect