Normal opening hours have resumed at all East Sussex libraries giving residents more opportunity to browse, read and borrow books, use the computers or free wifi, and access study spaces.
In addition, more library services have resumed including interlibrary loans and DVD and play set hire, as well as the Reading Group service. With new and existing library loans extended until June 30 and the ability to reserve up to 10 items at a time, now is the perfect time to choose some new reading material.
Books and more
Do you need a quiet and professional space for an interview? Job Pods, our fully equipped, Covid secure private spaces for remote interviews at Eastbourne and Hastings libraires, are available for bookings.
Every library has computers that you can pre book to use free of charge, and all of our libraries also offer free wifi if you want to use your own device.
If you would like to learn how to use a computer or improve or refresh your computer skills, IT for You could be the answer. Free 60 minute one-to-one sessions are available at Eastbourne and Hastings libraries. Our volunteers can help with email, job searching and applications, CVs, Universal Credit, social media, Microsoft Office and more.
121 phone support is also available via IT for You at home. Please call 01323 463759 to arrange to speak to a volunteer.
Dedicated study spaces are available at Lewes and Seaford libraries.
eLibrary
Library members can also access our wide range of digital library services completely free of charge via the eLibrary.
Our extensive selection of digital services includes access to eBooks, eAudio, eNewspapers, and eMagazines as well as IT support, wellbeing information and fun resources for children.
Other digital services available include business and employability resources and online book clubs for adults and children.
Select and collect
Our ‘select and collect’ service, when our library staff chose a selection of books based on the authors or subjects you enjoy reading, is also available.
Please call 0345 60 80 196 or use the online form to let library staff know what type of books you would like to read and which library you would like to collect them from. Your personalised selection will be available to pick up five days later.
Events
Face to face library events will be returning over the coming months, with activities planned for all ages. Full details and ticket information will be available online and from library staff shortly.
The Summer Reading Challenge, which encourages primary school children to read over the summer holidays and collect prizes as they enjoy six books, will be running at all East Sussex libraries from 17 July to 11 September.
Our Code Clubs continue to take place online so you can keep learning. Pick a project from the list of links on the Virtual Code Club page, work on it for a week, and then the team will post up a completed project.
Our East Sussex Children’s Book Club is aimed at children between 8 and 11 years old. The libraries team have selected six books to develop reading skills and a love of reading, and all of our libraries have at least one copy of each of the six titles.
Keeping you safe
All East Sussex libraries are Covid-secure and have reopened with measures in place to ensure everyone’s safety including new layouts to encourage social distancing, limited visitor numbers, and increased cleaning.
Books will be quarantined for 72 hours upon return and for the time being newspapers will only be available online. Computers will be cleaned and the keyboard covers replaced between each session.
You are reminded to wear a face covering, unless exempt, when visiting and to sanitise your hands when entering and leaving the building.
Find out more
For library locations and opening hours, and for more information on library services including the eLibrary, ‘select and collect’ and events, please visit eastsussex.gov.uk/libraries or call 0345 60 80 196.
(Article updated on 18 June 2021)
