LATEST NEWS: More libraries set to reopen from Monday 7 June

The majority of Edinburgh’s libraries will be open from 7 June as part of a phased plan for reopening essential services in the city.

In total 11 venues will offer a variety of services as they open up from next Monday.

A number of libraries - Central (including the Children’s Library), Drumbrae, Kirkliston, McDonald Road, Wester Hailes, Stockbridge and Gilmerton - are all currently open. Craigmillar and Fountainbridge are being used as short-term community asymptomatic testing centres but will thereafter return to use as libraries.

The timetable for the phased reopening of further libraries is:

Monday 7 June

• Currie
• Piershill
• South Queensferry
• Balgreen
• Colinton

Monday 14 June

• Morningside
• Moredun
• a mobile library at Ratho (contact/collect only)
• Balerno will be open for contact/collect and bus pass applications support.

Monday 17 June

• Blackhall

Monday 24 June

• Portobello

It is hoped that our remaining libraries will reopen again as soon as possible after these dates.

A number of libraries (Leith, Newington, Oxgangs and the library in Gate 55 at Wester Hailes) are temporarily being used as community covid-19 testing centres until at least late Autumn.

Other libraries may be needed as short-term asymptomatic testing centres over the coming weeks and months.

To browse and borrow books, use a public computer, apply for a National Entitlement Card (bus pass) or collect hearing aid batteries visits will need to be booked online by phoning the library direct.

There’s no need to reserve a slot if you’re return your books or picking up Hey Girls sanitary products. Social distancing measures are in place including face coverings being mandatory.

Culture and Communities Convener Cllr Donald Wilson said: “It’s great to see more libraries opening their doors across the city as they are invaluable resources for local communities. Our phased plan means we have been able to reopen them in a measured and cautious way to ensure everyone’s safety.

“Our plans will see a further 11 venues open for a variety of services. Although a number of other libraries are currently covid-19 testing centres I want to assure everyone that they will revert to fully functioning libraries.

“I want to thank all the hard work and efforts from our library and cleaning teams who continue to work tirelessly to get our libraries open and ensure they are safe to use.”

Culture and Communities Vice Convener Cllr Amy McNeese-Mechan said: “I’m delighted that we’re going to see more libraries open next week as we welcome our people back into their local spaces. They are much-loved hubs which bring our communities together and are essential for supporting the wellbeing of our citizens.

“We really appreciate everyone’s support and patience over recent months as we put in place our phased plans and thanks must go to the fantastic work of all the Council staff who have made this possible.

“The measured approach demonstrates our commitment and recognition of the importance of public libraries in this, the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature.”