Coronavirus Response from Central Bedfordshire Libraries

Coronavirus Home

All Central Bedfordshire libraries are open for browsing, PC use and printing.
Find out your local library opening hours and contact details here.

Changes to guidance from Thursday 27th January

The safety of all our customers and staff is extremely important to us and we have updated our safety measures for our next phase of re-opening:

Do not enter the library if you have COVID-19 symptoms or should be self-isolating for any other reason.
Please wear a face covering if you can whilst visiting the library.
Please sanitise your hands as you enter the library, and regularly throughout your visit using the hand sanitizing stations available within the building.
Please be aware of social distancing throughout your stay and respect the space of those around you.
You will need your library card with you when you visit.

Don't forget you can keep your library items up to date in several ways:

Contact your local library and a member of staff will renew your items for you
Using our Library App - search the Android or Apple store for 'Bedfordshire Libraries' to install the app. Tap on my account to log in and renew your loans
Online using Arena, the library catalogue - view and renew your loans using your library card and PIN. https://beds-arena.culturalservices.net/web/arena/
On the Self-Service kiosks in libraries - scan your library card to view items on loan and select the ones that you wish to renew or select renew all

What services are available?

Return books.
Browse for books - we ask that you observe Social Distancing rules and be mindful to those around you.
Borrow books using our Self-Service terminals.
Collect requests - remember to issue them on the self service kiosk before you leave.
Join the Library - we encourage you to join online before you visit.
Staff will be available to help but please be aware of social distancing
Access to computers and printing.
The number of computers available for use is slightly limited to allow for social distancing.
Study tables are available, with some social distancing measures in place.
Seating is available so why not rest and relax for a while.
Public toilets will be open.
Inter-library loan and music requests.
Activities and events will be reintroduced after February Half Term - please check the library pages and social media for updates
Meeting room hire will restart after the February Half Term

What services are not available yet?

Newspapers and Magazines

Can I join the library?

Yes, you can join the library. We would recommend that you join online first as this will speed the process up.

Once you have joined you can follow a link in the confirmation message to request a physical card to borrow books or use the computers. This will send a message to your library of choice and they will make the card up ready for your visit. Then all you need to do is visit with proof of your name and address to collect the card.

I don’t want to visit the library and choose my own books yet, what should I do?

Please don’t worry. You can renew your loans online using Arena or by telephone.

You are still able to request individual titles for free using Arena, the library app, or by calling the library. So all you need to do when you visit is pick your books up from the collection shelves in the library and issue them on the self-service kiosk.

You can also use your library card number and PIN to discover the wide range of online services and resources available through the Virtual Library, including e-books, audio books and e-magazines. Other resources including newspapers, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Credo reference sources, are available online by logging in with library card number and pin. Visit the Virtual Library today and check out the follow:

BorrowBox - downloadable audiobooks
Libby - downloadable e-books, audiobooks and magazines all in one place
PressReader - Thousands of national and international newspapers and magazines to be read online or downloaded
Freegal - Millions of tracks to be streamed for up to 5 hours a day or download 5 tracks a day to keep

Please contact us if you have any questions and check the Virtual Library, Facebook or Twitter for updates.

Thank you for your understanding during this time.

For more information about the coronavirus and things to do from home click here

Page last updated: 12th March 2022