Author: Edith Hotlham

On July 20^th, after a four-month gap, Tate South Lambeth Library – along with six other libraries in Lambeth – resumed service.

But under the constraints imposed by the need to contain and suppress the coronavirus epidemic, that service is restricted.

All entry is by appointment only, from 11am to 4pm on Monday to Saturday.

Appointments can be made by phone (020 7926 0710) or email  (southlambethlibrary@lambeth.gov.uk) to use a computer, print, scan and photocopy

There is no browsing of the shelves , but you can reserve up to 20 books. audiobooks and DVDs , or have them selected for you by a librarian after stating your preferences. You then call or email the library to arrange  a time to  collect the items.

Items borrowed can be returned without an appointment.

The Home Library Service can deliver books to you if you are housebound and cannot get to a library.

Users of the library are required to use face masks and hand sanitiser, and to maintain physical distance.

It’s not the library we know and love – with open access, group activities, classes, talks, craft fairs, choir performances and more  But we can hope for a gradual easing back as and when the threat from the virus lessens.

Under the government’s current schedule for easing out of Covid-19 lockdown, libraries may consider re-opening from July 4^th. Although Lambeth Libraries would like to slowly introduce some services later in July, this will be dependent on a number of different issues such as how well the virus is contained in the coming weeks and making sure all the necessary measures are in place.

This will require a great deal of preparation and redesign – both of the service offered and the physical layout of each library – to ensure the safety of library users and library staff while the epidemic continues.. Lambeth library managers are currently looking at what is achievable and feasible. There will be no sudden return to the pre-Covid situation . Libraries nationally are considering a click and collect offer for borrowing books and the use of computers by prior appointment only. Lambeth will probably adopt this approach. Layouts will need to be altered to meet social distancing requirements and returned books will have to be quarantined. There are many practical things to consider to open safely

Not the library we know and love. But people’s health must be paramount.

Meanwhile- even while the library is partly opening up – Lambeth Libraries will be keeping up its extensive online programme of events and services.. Here’s the list for June:

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKLAMBETH/bulletins/28ce356

As of the time of writing (March 21^st) all Lambeth’s ten libraries are closed. This is in line with government recommendations on social distancing to counter the spread of  COVID-19 and answers concern at the clear danger to both the general public and library staff from the maintenance of the onsite service.

Our precious libraries are just one of the many casualties of the current coronavirus epidemic, whose impact continues to rise. So there is little prospect of an early resumption of core services to the general public. The numerous events and activities at the library (listed in the side panel), suspended  earlier in the week, will remain dormant.

But we have not been cut off from some valuable resources that Lambeth libraries offer their members.

If you’re a member of the library- stuck at home, self isolating or just trying to maintain social distance -Lambeth library service offers you  a wide variety of online resources that you can access in your home.

For details of the full list, go to www.lambeth.gov.uk/leisure-parks-and-libraries/libraries/ebooks-emagazines-and-more-library-services-online 

All you need is the number on your library membership card.

Happy browsing.

 

Tate Local – the gallery space at Tate South Lambeth library – is currently showing  watercolours of London scenes by Antony Mark Peters.

 Would you like to meet and chat with the artist?

 Come along to a private view at the library on Monday March 23^rd from 7pm to 8.30pm.

 

Wednesday January 22^nd 7pm (doors open at 6.30pm)

A film screening of an award-winning biopic documentary, with a presentation by its producer and director, Ne Kunda Nlaba.

The previously untold story of an early rebellion against European domination and exploitation of Africa. In 1704 a young woman took up the fight to free her country – the kingdom of Kongo in central Africa. She failed, and was executed in 1706. But she is remembered in her country as Mama Kimpa Vita, the Mother of the African Revolution.

Admission free, refreshments available.