Author: Edith Hotlham

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.

 

Friday November 15^th 3.45pm

Friends of Tate South Lambeth Library have teamed up with No Planet B Film Club for an after-school  screening of a film aimed at young children and their families – Disney Pixar’s Wall-E (certificate U)

After hundreds of lonely years of doing what he was built for, robot Wall-E discovers a new purpose in life when he meets a sleek search robot named Eve. Eve realises that Wall-E has found the key to the planet’s future, and races back to space to tell  the humans, who have been eagerly awaiting word that it is safe to return home.

Children of all ages are invited to attend! There will be a special guest speaker from Greenpeace before the screening.

Entrance is free and snacks will be available for a small donation to No Planet B Film Club.

No Planet B Film Club screens a wide variety of films with environmental themes, promoting  creative discussions on environmentalism and activism. No Planet B’s community screenings are supported by Cinema for All’s Launchpad scheme. (You can find No Planet Film Club on Facebook and instagram.)