Coronavirus (COVID-19) update for libraries and archives
Welcome back to Cumbria Libraries for browsing, borrowing and PC access.
With the easement of some government restrictions, from the 19th July some changes have been made in our libraries. To find out more please visit Coronavirus (COVID-19) update for libraries and archives | Cumbria County Council
We are still offering a Select and Collect service as well as our existing home delivery service.
Activities, in-person groups and sessions will be gradually reintroduced although we still have plenty of resources available for you to enjoy. Live streaming of children's events are posted on each Library's Facebook page, as well as a range of book reviews and activity suggestions. Our online services include free e-books and e-magazines.
As well as our libraries services, Barrow, Carlisle, Kendal and Whitehaven Archive Centres have now extended their opening hours from 4 August 2021. Visit the Archives website for more information.
Services currently available from libraries:
Frequently Asked Questions
Our reopened libraries have cleaning facilities available for our customers to use along with hand sanitiser. Our staffed points will have perspex screens and in some close proximity areas, there will be a one-way system in place.
It is no longer a requirement to wear a face covering in our libraries however it is encouraged.
We will continue to display the NHS Track and Trace posters in our libraries however it is no longer mandatory to take your details.
Yes. Please provide identification of you name and address.
If you only want to use our digital online resources you can get instant membership online.
Children aged 10 and under are very welcome to visit the library, they must be accompanied by an adult. Our Facebook pages often have filmed story times and singing sessions which you may also be interested in as well as in-library events which will be offered where possible.
Public PCs are available and are free to use for the first 2 hours. There will be cleaning equipment available for user to clean the PCs before and after use.
Yes this equipment is available for your use.
We are not able to process Bus Pass applications but can give you a form to fill and give details of where to return it to.
Parking Permits can be requested online or phone the Highways Hotline on 03003 032992 or by post at Parking Services, Cumbria County Council, PO Box 415, Carlisle, CA1 9GU
You can collect Hearing Aid batteries in person from the Library but we are unable to post them out or arrange for someone to collect them for you using our Select and Collect service.
Toilets and baby changing facilities are now open to the public.
Drinks machines are available in libraries which have them.
Activities or drop-ins will be reintroduced gradually in line with the latest public health advice. In the meantime, please see our library Facebook pages for digital versions of many of our regular children's sessions and other links to community information.
As library authorities are only able to offer limited services, and due to the uncertainty surrounding local outbreaks, Findmypast have decided that they will keep home access in place, but, they are reviewing this on a monthly basis.
This service is available to people who are unable to visit the library because of mobility problems or ill health conditions and who have no one who can go to a library on their behalf. For those library members who currently can't visit a main library in person, alternatively a friend or family member can collect a prepared selection of books from them using our Select and Collect service.
Cumbria Library Service is working with the partner organisations who host Library Links to open library links. Check the website for details. Book drops are not currently available. Cumbria Library Service is currently not operating book drops.
Work is underway to return these services but it is being done in phases due to the health and safety and logistical challenges.
Delivery of The Reading Group Service has resumed. Please contact the reading group team at readinggroups@cumbria.gov.uk if your group is meeting again and would like sets sent.
